Surgical strategy and complication management of osteotomy around the painful degenerative varus knee: ESSKA Formal Consensus Part II

PURPOSE

The purpose of the European consensus was to provide recommendations for the treatment of patients with a painful degenerative varus knee using a joint preservation approach. Part II focused on surgery, rehabilitation and complications after tibial or femoral correction osteotomy.

METHODS

Ninety-four orthopaedic surgeons from 24 countries across Europe were involved in the consensus, which focused on osteotomies around the knee. The consensus was performed according to the European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy consensus methodology. The steering group designed the questions and prepared the statements based on the experience of the experts and the evidence of the literature. The statements were evaluated by the ratings of the peer-review groups before a final consensus was released.

RESULTS

The ideal hinge position for medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW HTO) should be at the upper level of the proximal tibiofibular joint, and for lateral closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy (LCW DFO) just above the medial femoral condyle. Hinge protection is not mandatory. Biplanar osteotomy cuts provide more stability and quicker bony union for both MOW HTO and LCW DFO and are especially recommended for the latter. Osteotomy gap filling is not mandatory, unless structural augmentation for stability is required. Patient-specific instrumentation should be reserved for complex cases by experienced hands. Early full weight-bearing can be adopted after osteotomy, regardless of the technique. However, extra caution should be exercised in DFO patients. Osteotomy patients should return to sports within 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Clear recommendations for surgical strategy, rehabilitation and complications of knee osteotomies for the painful degenerative varus knee were demonstrated. In Part 2 of the consensus, high levels of agreement were reached by experts throughout Europe, under variable working conditions. Where science is limited, the collated expertise of the collaborators aimed at providing guidance for orthopaedic surgeons developing an interest in the field and highlighting areas for potential future research.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, consensus.

Osteotomy around the painful degenerative varus knee has broader indications than conventionally described but must follow a strict planning process: ESSKA Formal Consensus Part I

PURPOSE

The European consensus was designed with the objective of combining science and expertise to produce recommendations that would educate and provide guidance in the treatment of the painful degenerative varus knee. Part I focused on indications and planning.

METHODS

Ninety-four orthopaedic surgeons from 24 European countries were involved in the consensus, which focused on the most common indications for osteotomy around the knee. The consensus was performed according to an established ESSKA methodology. The questions and recommendations made were initially designed by the consensus steering group. And 'best possible' answers were provided based upon the scientific evidence available and the experience of the experts. The statements produced were further evaluated by ratings and peer review groups before a final consensus was reached.

RESULTS

There is no reliable evidence to exclude patients based on age, gender or body weight. An individualised approach is advised; however, cessation of smoking is recommended. The same applies to lesser degrees of patellofemoral and lateral compartment arthritis, which may be accepted in certain situations. Good-quality limb alignment and knee radiographs are a mandatory requirement for planning of osteotomies, and Paley's angles and normal ranges are recommended when undertaking deformity analysis. Emphasis is placed upon the correct level at which correction of varus malalignment is performed, which may involve double-level osteotomy. This includes recognition of the importance of individual bone morphology and the maintenance of a physiologically appropriate joint line orientation.

CONCLUSION

The indications of knee osteotomies for painful degenerative varus knees are broad. Part I of the consensus highlights the versatility of the procedure to address multiple scenarios with bespoke planning for each case. Deformity analysis is mandatory for defining the bone morphology, the site of the deformity and planning the correct procedure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, consensus.

Deformity in valgus knee malalignment is not only in the femur but also in tibia or both, based on demographic and morphological analysis before and after knee osteotomies

PURPOSE

This study aims to identify the demographic and morphological features of valgus knee deformity with unilateral osteoarthritic knee in the coronal plane. A secondary aim was to identify the distinct phenotypes of valgus knees in Hirschmann's phenotype and the coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) classifications before and after a knee osteotomy (KO).

METHODS

A total of 107 patients (57 female and 50 male) with a mean age of 42.4 ± 17.2 years, who underwent varisation osteotomy for symptomatic unilateral knee osteoarthritis (OA) and constitutional valgus deformity, were enrolled in the study, and the mean follow-up period was 29.1 ± 7.3 months. The included cases comprised 60 cases of distal femoral osteotomy, 10 cases of double-level osteotomy and 33 cases of high tibial osteotomy. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative clinical, functional and radiological evaluations, analysed by analysis of variance tests.

RESULTS

An analysis of the location of the valgus deformities demonstrated that 56 cases (52.3%) were femoral based, 18 cases (16.8%) were both femoral and tibial based and 33 cases (30.9%) were tibial based. Twelve preosteotomy cases (11.2%) and 38 postosteotomy cases (35.5%) matched the most common eight Hirschmann's phenotypes, phenotyping the coronal lower limb alignment based on the native alignment in young patients without OA. Four (3.7%) preosteotomy cases and 89 postosteotomy cases (83.1%) matched the most common three CPAK phenotypes (Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ) based on constitutional alignment and joint line obliquity in healthy and osteoarthritic knees.

CONCLUSION

In valgus knee malalignment, the location of the deformity is not only solely femoral-based but also solely tibial-based or combined femoral and tibial-based. An individualised osteotomy approach would be recommended to achieve careful preoperative planning that considers the location of the deformity and the resultant joint line. Hirschmann's and CPAK classification would not be relevant when KO is considered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level Ⅳ, retrospective case-control study.

The tipping point in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy relates to the shape of the proximal tibia more than to lower limb alignment correction

PURPOSE

The tipping point (TP) of the knee joint is the centre of rotation of the joint in the coronal plane. This study aimed to define the TP in medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

METHODS

Data from 154 consecutive patients with varus knee malalignment, who underwent MOWHTO between 2017 and 2021, was retrospectively reviewed. The degree of preoperative osteoarthritis (OA), using the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system, was recorded. Long-leg standing radiographs were used to record the alignment parameters, including the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and the joint line obliquity (JLO) angle. Postoperative Tegner activity scores, Western Ontario and McMaster University Scores and patients' satisfaction were recorded. To define the TP, the relationship of all variables to Δ JLCA (absolute difference between preoperative to postoperative JLCA values) was analysed. Linear regression was employed for Δ JLCA to preoperative JLCA and postoperative and Δ MPTA (absolute difference between preoperative and postoperative values). K-means clustering was used to partition observations into clusters, in which each observation belongs to the cluster with the nearest mean serving as a prototype of the cluster, and analysed if there was any specific threshold influencing Δ JLCA. After defining the TP, further subanalysis of the TP based on the preoperative KL OA grade and analysis of variance of this TP to the KL OA grade was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 154 patients (77.9% males and 22.1% females) were included. The mean age was 48.2 ± 11 years, and the mean body mass index was 27.1 ± 4 kg/m2. Preoperatively, 26 (16.9%) patients had KL grade IV OA. The mean preoperative and postoperative JLCA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 2.6° ± 1.8° (p < 0.0001) and 1.9° ± 1.8° (p = 0.6), respectively. The mean Δ JLCA was 1.4° ± 1.5°. The mean pre- and postoperative MPTA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 84.6 ± 2.2 (p = 0.005) and 91.8 ± 2.5 (p < 0.0007), respectively. The mean Δ MPTA was 7.2 ± 2.3 (p = 0.3). The mean preoperative and postoperative HKA and the significance of their relation to Δ JLCA were 174.6 ± 2.5 (p = 0.2) and 181.9 ± 2.4 (p = 0.7), respectively. The overall linear regression for Δ JLCA was statistically significant for preoperative JLCA (R2 = 0.3, p < 0.0001) and postoperative MPTA (R2 = 0.09, p = 0.0001) and statistically insignificant for Δ MPTA (R2 = 0.01, p = 0.2) and postoperative HKA (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.7). MPTA > 91.5° was the optimal threshold dividing this series data set between substantial and nonsignificant Δ JLCA.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the main predictive factors for intra-articular correction (Δ JLCA) after MOWHTO were the preoperative value of JLCA and the postoperative value of MPTA. A value of 92° for postoperative MPTA is potentially the optimal threshold to predict intra-articular correction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Combined knee osteotomy and cartilage procedure for varus knees: friend or foe? A narrative review of the literature

Varus knees with associated cartilage pathologies are not uncommon scenarios that present to orthopaedic surgeons. There is no agreement on the ideal management of varus knees with concomitant cartilage pathology. Through a literature review, the authors tried to answer three main questions: On October 2022, OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, and COCHRANE databases were searched. Clinical studies reporting on clinical, radiologic, or macroscopic cartilage regeneration following either isolated knee osteotomy or concomitant osteotomy and a cartilage procedure were reviewed. Despite controversies, the literature demonstrated favourable outcomes of combined knee osteotomy and a cartilage procedure in patients with substantial deformity and cartilage defects. Isolated high tibial osteotomy may induce cartilage regeneration in several scenarios and severities of concomitant malalignment and cartilage defects. There are recommendations that knee osteotomy should be added to a cartilage procedure when an extra-articular deformity of > 5° is detected. Some studies report good outcomes for combining a knee osteotomy with cartilage grafting, but they lack a control group of isolated osteotomy. There is still scarce of evidence on the influence of osteotomies on cartilage regeneration and the outcomes of concomitant osteotomy and different cartilage procedures vs isolated osteotomies. With advanced statistical evaluation (artificial intelligence, machine learning) of big datasets, more answers and better results will be delivered.

High survivorship and low complication rate in a single-centre series of 651 medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy cases with a mean follow-up of 13 years

PURPOSE

This study aimed to report the early to midterm results of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) from the largest single-centre osteotomy database. The primary outcomes were reporting the radiological corrections and the functional outcomes represented by multiple patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). The secondary outcomes were to report the complications, revisions and survivorship up to 10 years postoperatively.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained single-centre database of 1138 knee osteotomies was retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent MOWHTO and met the inclusion criteria were included. Those inclusion criteria were moderate to severe knee pain that failed conservative management; varus knee malalignment; and isolated medial osteoarthritis of the knee. A total of 651 cases, with a mean age of 46.7 ± 9 years and a mean body mass index of 29.6 ± 5.2 kg/m2 , were included. This comprised 71% males (n = 462) and 29% females (n = 189). The mean follow-up was 158.1 ± 45.4 months. Multiple PROMs were recorded preoperatively and serially postoperatively. This included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores, the Oxford Knee Score, the Oxford Knee Score-Activity and Participation Questionnaire, the Western Ontario and McMaster University Scores, the Visual Analogue Scale for health and pain, and the EQ-5D, which is a standardised measure of health-related quality of life. All lower limb alignment measurements were recorded pre- and postoperatively. The rates of osteotomy revision, conversion to arthroplasty, complications, and 5- and 10-year survivorship were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 651 cases were followed up to a mean of 158.1 ± 45.4 months. The mean planned correction angle was 7.6° ± 2.9°. The mean planned opening wedge distance was 8.1 ± 3.1 mm. The mean intraoperative anterior and posterior osteotomy gaps opening were 7.7 ± 3.4 and 8.9 ± 3.8 mm, respectively. Postoperatively, the mean mechanical tibiofemoral angle improved from -5.7° ± 2.9° varus to 1.3° ± 2.5° valgus, the mean medial proximal tibial angle improved from preoperative 85.5° ± 2.3° to postoperative 91.6° ± 2.7° and the mean Mikulicz point improved from 21.7 ± 12.6% to 54.8 ± 11% (all p values < 0.001). All PROMs significantly improved at 24 months follow-up (all p values < 0.001). The rate of osteotomy revision was 1.1% at a mean of 2 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. The overall rate of arthroplasty conversion was 9.1%. This comprised 5.8% total knee arthroplasty conversion at a mean of 6.9 ± 3.5 years postoperatively and 3.2% unicompartmental knee arthroplasty conversion at a mean of 5.7 ± 2.5 years postoperatively. An overall 10.3% complication rate was recorded. The 5 and 10-year survivorship was 97.2% and 91.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MOWHTO is a radiologically and clinically rewarding procedure with a high survival rate at 5 and 10 years and a low complication rate in experienced hands. MOWHTO should be considered in patients presenting with medial unicompartmental knee pain with an evidence of overload and a varus mechanical coronal plane axis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective cohort study.

Using a patient-specific cutting guide enables identical knee osteotomies: An evaluation of accuracy on sawbones

PURPOSE

It was hypothesized that using a Patient-Specific Cutting Guide (PSCG) would allow the creation of sawbones model osteotomies, identical in the 3 planes and the hinge parameters, that can be used for biomechanical studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the PSCG system and to introduce and assess the new hinge parameter; the hinge area.

METHODS

Six identical sawbones tibia models were identically set up for identical osteotomy cuts by the same surgeon in the same session and with identical instruments. A medical scanner was used to evaluate the 3D configuration of all the specimens. The analyzed parameters included the cutting angles in both the coronal and sagittal planes (degrees) and the hinge and the slicing areas (cm2), and the hinge thickness (mm). The values were statistically evaluated for average, standard deviation, 95% confidence index, and delta to the expected values were calculated.

RESULTS

The mean values for the coronal and sagittal angles were 110.5̊±1̊ and 89.8̊±0.8̊, respectively. The 95% confidence index level ranged between 0.1̊, and 0.8̊ in both the coronal & the sagittal planes. The mean values for the hinge thickness, the hinge area, and the slicing area were 12.7±1.5mm, 4.2±0.9 cm2, and 18.3±1.2 cm2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the presented study, it can be demonstrated that mechanically identical osteotomy specimens, with regard to the cutting planes and hinge parameters, can be reliably created using the PSCG. The identical specimens can be used for biomechanical research purposes to further expand our knowledge of the factors affecting osteotomy outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Comparing the Rate of Post-operative Periprosthetic Fracture Following Hip Arthroplasty With a Polished Taper Slip versus Composite Beam Stem

BACKGROUND

We compared the incidence of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (POPFF) following hip arthroplasty with either a cemented polished taper slip (PTS) stem or a cemented composite beam (CB) stem in comparative studies.

METHODS

A systematic review of comparative studies, written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals since the year 2000, was conducted. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.The overall study qualities were good. There were 913,021 patients from 18 cohorts included in the meta-analysis. There were 294,540 patients who received a CB stem and 618,481 received a PTS stem. Cohorts were classified as high- or low-risk for POPFF based on patient risk factors. A metanalysis was performed using a random effects model, and the relative incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was reported.

RESULTS

The patients at low risk of POPFF had an incidence rate ratio of 3.14 (CI: 2.48, 3.98) for the PTS group versus the CB group. Whereas, the patients at high risk of POPFF had an incidence rate ratio of 9.87 (CI: 3.63, 26.80) for the PTS group versus the CB group.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of POPFF is lower when hip arthroplasty was performed using a CB stem versus a PTS stem. This protective effect was greatest in patients who had a higher risk of POPFF. Surgeons should consider the effect of cemented stem choice on the risk of subsequent periprosthetic femur fracture, particularly in frail or elderly patients who are at a higher risk of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Inconsistent Return to Sport Despite Improved Outcomes After Re-revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: An Updated Systematic Review

PURPOSE

The primary objective was to systematically review the literature evaluating patient-reported outcomes and return to sport after re-revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) procedures. The secondary objectives were 2-fold: to identify the risk factors that lead to revision ACLR failure and to assess the secondary knee structure injuries after the initial revision ACLR.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed using the MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane databases. The inclusion criteria were outcomes of re-revision ACLR, minimum of 2 years' follow-up, human studies, and English language. Basic science articles, epidemiologic studies, editorials, surgical technique articles, surveys, cadaveric studies, and animal studies were excluded.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were considered for review. There were 6 Level III and 9 Level IV studies that included 399 patients undergoing re-revision ACLR. The rate of concomitant meniscal lesions at the time of re-revision ranged from 35% to 90%. The prevalence of concomitant cartilaginous lesions at the time of re-revision ranged from 13.6% to 90%. Compared with preoperative scores, patient-reported outcomes overall improved after re-revision ACLR, with mean preoperative Lysholm scores ranging from 38.4 to 73.15 that improved to postoperative scores ranging from 68 to 87.8. However, return to sport at preinjury levels was inconsistent, with rates ranging from 12.5% to 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

Re-revision ACLR was found to restore knee stability and improve functional outcomes. Despite this improvement, there was a low rate of return to sport at the preinjury level. Functional outcomes were also inferior when compared with primary ACLR. In addition, concomitant knee pathologies were found to rise in prevalence compared with revision and primary ACLR cases.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

High tibial osteotomy is equally effective for varus malaligned knees with either virgin or wrecked medial meniscus: An age and gender-matched secondary analysis of a Francophone Arthroscopy Society Symposium

INTRODUCTION

Despite the growing concept of meniscal preservation, partial meniscectomy could be the definitive procedure in specific scenarios. And total meniscectomy was once before a frequent procedure, with current sequelae of degenerate knees. High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective treatment for patients suffering from unicompartmental degenerative changes, and substantial deformities. However, it is yet to be answered, whether HTO is similarly effective in both post-meniscectomy knees and knees with not previously operated meniscus.

HYPOTHESIS

Outcomes of HTO is similar with or without previous history of total or subtotal meniscectomy.

METHODS

This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of 41 patients who received HTO and had no previous history of surgery in the ipsilateral knee (group I), and 41 age, and gender-matched patients who had meniscectomy surgery in the ipsilateral knee (group II). Preoperatively and postoperatively, all patients were clinically evaluated; the visual analogue scale scores, Tegner activity score, and the Western Ontario and Macmaster University scores were reported. Radiographically, osteoarthritis grade and pre- and postoperative parameters were reported, including hip-knee-ankle angle, femoral mechanical angle, medial proximal tibial angle, joint line convergence angle, proximal posterior tibial angle, and limb length discrepancy. Perioperative details and complications were reported.

RESULTS

A total of 82 patients were included; group I (n=41) and group II (n=41). The mean age was 51.18±8.64 (27-68) and 90.24% were male. The duration since the onset of symptoms was longer in group II vs. group I, 43.34±41.03 versus 38.07±36.11months respectively. No significant differences in the clinical evaluation between the two groups with a greater proportion of patients demonstrating moderate degenerative changes. Similar preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were reported, in group I, Δ HKA was 7.19±4.14 versus 7.65±3.16 in group II. Preoperative pain VAS scores were slightly higher in group II vs. group I, 79.23±26.35 vs. 76.31±24.45, respectively. However, postoperatively, the pain scores significantly improved in group I vs. group II, 22.84±3.65 vs. 41.69±17.33, respectively. Tegner activity scores and WOMAC scores were comparable between both groups preoperatively and postoperatively. Only the WOMAC function scores were better in group I when compared to group II, 26.13±25.84 versus 20.01±17.98. All patients returned to work at an average of 0.82±0.38months.

CONCLUSION

Knee preservation with high tibial osteotomy is equally effective in managing unicompartmental degenerative changes in varus malaligned knees with either no previous history of meniscal surgeries or where a meniscal sacrifice was inevitable, either with subtotal or total meniscectomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective case-control study.

Reference standards for stress radiography measurements in knee ligament injury and instability: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Stress radiographs are an easily accessible, cost-effective tool in the evaluation of acute and chronic ligament knee injuries. Stress radiographs provide an objective, quantifiable, and functional assessment of the injured ligament and can be a useful adjunct when planning surgical management and to objectively assess postoperative outcomes. This study aimed to review the literature reporting on stress radiographic techniques in evaluating knee ligament injury and instability and propose thresholds for interpreting stress radiography techniques.

METHODS

The following three databases, OVID MEDLINE, the EMBASE library, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, were systematically searched on January 23, 2023, for studies published from January 1970 to January 2023. The search extended to the reference lists of all relevant studies and orthopedic journals. Included studies were those that described a stress technique for the diagnosis of knee ligament injury; studies that reported a description or comparison of the accuracy and/or reliability of one or several stress radiography techniques, or studies that reported a comparison with alternative diagnostic modalities.

RESULTS

Sixteen stress radiography techniques were reported for assessing the ACL with stress applied in the anterior plane, 10 techniques for assessing the PCL with stress applied in the posterior plane, 3 techniques for valgus stress, and 4 techniques for varus stress. The Telos device was the most commonly used stress device in the ACL and PCL studies. There was no consensus on the accuracy and reliability of stress radiography techniques for the diagnosis of any knee ligament injury. Stress radiography techniques were compared with alternative diagnostic techniques including instrumented arthrometry, MRI, and physical examination in 18 studies, with variability in the advantages and disadvantages of stress radiography techniques and alternatives. Analysis of results pooled from different studies demonstrated average delta gapping in knees with a completely injured ligament compared to the normal contralateral knee as per the following: for the ACL 4.9 ± 1.4 mm; PCL 8.1 ± 2.5 mm; MCL 2.3 ± 0.05 mm; and the FCL 3.4 ± 0.2 mm.

CONCLUSION

Despite heterogeneity in the available literature with regard to stress examination techniques and device utilization, the data support that stress radiography techniques were accurate and reliable when compared to numerous alternatives in the diagnosis of acute and chronic knee ligament injuries. The present study also provides average increased ipsilateral compartment gapping/translation for specific knee ligament injuries based on the best available data. These values provide a reference standard for the interpretation of stress radiography techniques, help to guide surgical decision-making, and provide benchmark values for future investigations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

The joint line convergence angle (JLCA) correlates with intra-articular arthritis

PURPOSE

Knees with unicompartmental varus osteoarthritis (OA) usually display a combination of tibiofemoral bony deformity and increased joint line convergence angle (JLCA). The JLCA is a product of intra-articular deformity and lateral soft tissue laxity. This study aims to define the correlation between the JLCA and progression of OA.

METHODS

A retrospective radiological analysis of 501 patients, who underwent either high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), was performed. The preoperative OA grade was reported based on the Ahlbäck and the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL). The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and the joint line convergence angle (JLCA) were recorded. The primary outcome was the relationship between the JLCA values and the OA grade. The secondary outcomes were comparing the JLCA and other alignment parameter values between HTO and UKA groups.

RESULTS

A total of 501 (59.3% females n = 297) cases were included, comprising 293 cases of HTO and 208 cases of UKA. Patients had a mean age of 57.63 ± 8.97 years, a mean BMI of 28.37 ± 7.39 kg/m2. Patients with Ahlbäck grade 2 represented 49.3% of all patients (n = 247) and patients with KL grade 3 represented 54.7% of all patients (n = 274). A high JLCA was observed in both groups. The reported mean JLCA in the UKA group was 3.69 ± 2.1°, and in the HTO group was 2.93 ± 1.82. There was a significant association between the increase in the JLCA and the progression of OA based on both the Ahlbäck and KL grades (both p values < 0.001). The mean JLCA in patients with Ahlbäck grades 1 and 4 was 1.48 ± 1.32°, and 7 ± 0.93°, respectively. The mean JLCA in patients with KL grades 1 and 4 was 1.77 ± 1.42°, and 4.89 ± 1.73°, respectively. The mean recorded preoperative HKA angle in the UKA group was 175.06 ± 3.08°, and in the HTO group was 173.26 ± 3.02°, whereas the mean MPTA was 88.63 ± 1.72° for the UKA group and 89.31 ± 2.29° for the HTO group.

CONCLUSION

The JLCA progressively increases with osteoarthritis progression in patients with unicompartmental varus knee osteoarthritis. The JLCA can potentially be used as a grading parameter for osteoarthritis progression akin to Ahlbäck and Kellgren-Lawrence grading systems.

Outcomes of Slope-Reducing Proximal Tibial Osteotomy Combined With a Third Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Procedure With a Focus on Return to Impact Sports

BACKGROUND

An increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) is a proven risk factor for both native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and ACL graft insufficiency. Anterior closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (ACW-HTO) for PTS correction is a validated procedure in revision ACL reconstruction (ACLR).

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combined ACW-HTO and at least a second revision ACLR procedure on knee stability, function, and sports performance in a large series of patients. The hypothesis was that patients would return to impact sports after ACW-HTO combined with a second or third revision ACLR procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS

A total of 64 patients who underwent a second (or more) revision ACLR procedure and ACW-HTO between June 1, 2015, and June 1, 2019, and had a PTS >12° were included. The mean age was 29.60 ± 6.31 years, and the mean preoperative PTS was 13.79°± 1.50°. The cases were analyzed at a mean follow-up of 2.96 ± 0.83 years (range, 2-5 years). At the last follow-up, the rate of patients returning to impact sports (based on the University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA], activity scale), ACL graft status (per magnetic resonance imaging), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, Lysholm scores, and laxity measurements using a knee arthrometer were recorded.

RESULTS

The total number of patients participating in impact sports and high-impact sports was as follows: 43 and 30, respectively, before the injury; 0 and 0, respectively, preoperatively; and 31 and 12, respectively, postoperatively. At the last follow-up, the UCLA score was ≥8 in 48.44% of the patients, and only 16 patients returned to their preinjury level of activity. At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, there was clinical improvement in the IKDC score from 37.98 ± 12.48 preoperatively to 69.06 ± 12.30 postoperatively (P < .0001), in the Lysholm score from 51.94 ± 14.03 preoperatively to 74.45 ± 11.44 postoperatively (P < .001), and in the UCLA score. However, this clinical improvement did not equate to preinjury values for all outcome scores (P < .001). The preinjury IKDC and Lysholm scores were 76.98 ± 11.71 and 89.26 ± 8.91, respectively. The mean change in anterior knee laxity using a knee arthrometer at 134 and 250 N was -4.03 ± 0.18 mm and -3.63 ± 0.16, respectively. There were 3 cases of a rerupture with a severe pivot shift on the clinical examination. None of these patients underwent revision per the patient's preference. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

In the setting of chronic ACL-deficient knees, PTS reduction (ACW-HTO) with revision ACLR restored knee stability and improved function with an acceptable rate of specific complications. Increased knee recurvatum was observed in one-third of the patients, but all were asymptomatic. Also, approximately half of the patients were able to return to impact sports.

National variation in prophylactic antibiotic use for elective primary total joint replacement

Aims

Prophylactic antibiotic regimens for elective primary total hip and knee arthroplasty vary widely across hospitals and trusts in the UK. This study aimed to identify antibiotic prophylaxis regimens currently in use for elective primary arthroplasty across the UK, establish variations in antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and their impact on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the first-year post-index procedure, and evaluate adherence to current international consensus guidance.

Methods

The guidelines for the primary and alternative recommended prophylactic antibiotic regimens in clean orthopaedic surgery (primary arthroplasty) for 109 hospitals and trusts across the UK were sought by searching each trust and hospital's website (intranet webpages), and by using the MicroGuide app. The mean cost of each antibiotic regimen was calculated using price data from the British National Formulary (BNF). Regimens were then compared to the 2018 Philadelphia Consensus Guidance, to evaluate adherence to international guidance.

Results

The primary choice and dosing of the prophylactic antimicrobial regimens varied widely. The two most used regimens were combined teicoplanin and gentamicin, and cefuroxime followed by two or three doses of cefuroxime eight-hourly, recommended by 24 centres (22.02%) each. The alternative choice and dosing of the prophylactic antimicrobial regimen also varied widely across the 83 centres with data available. Prophylaxis regimens across some centres fail to cover the likeliest causes of surgical site infection (SSI). Five centres (4.59%) recommend co-amoxiclav, which confers no Staphylococcus coverage, while 33 centres (30.28%) recommend cefuroxime, which confers no Enterococcus coverage. Limited adherence to 2018 Philadelphia Consensus Guidance was observed, with 67 centres (61.50%) not including a cephalosporin in their guidance.

Conclusion

This analysis of guidance on antimicrobial prophylaxis in primary arthroplasty across 109 hospitals and trusts in the UK has identified widespread variation in primary and alternative antimicrobial regimens currently recommended.

Assessment of return to sport and functional outcomes following distal femoral, double level and high tibial osteotomies for active patients with symptomatic varus malalignment

PURPOSE

This study indicated the outcomes of three surgical techniques for the treatment of symptomatic unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis (UKOA) with varus malalignment in younger, active patients: distal femoral osteotomy (DFO), double-level osteotomy (DLO) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO). The outcomes measured included the return to sport, sport activity and functional scores.

METHODS

A total of 103 patients (19 DFO, 43 DLO, 41 HTO) were enrolled in the study and were divided into three groups based on their oriented deformity, each undergoing one of the three surgical techniques. All patients underwent pre- and post-operative evaluations including X-rays, physical exams and functional assessments.

RESULTS

All three surgical techniques were effective in treating UKOA with constitutional malalignment. The average time to return to sport was similar among the three groups (DFO: 6.4 ± 0.3 [5.8-7] months, DLO: 4.9 ± 0.2 [4.5-5.3] months, HTO: 5.6 ± 0.2 [5.2-6] months). The sport activity and functional scores improved significantly for all three groups, with no significant differences observed among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Various knee osteotomy procedures, DFO, DLO, and HTO, result in high RTS rates and quick RTS times with satisfactory functional scores. Despite pre- to post-operative improvements in sport activities following DFO and DLO, pre-symptom levels were not reached following all evaluated procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Retrospective case-control study, Level III.

Surgical fixation of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: a matter of debate?

Segmental femoral fractures represent a rare but complex clinical challenge. They mostly result from high-energy mechanisms, dictate a careful initial assessment and are managed with various techniques. These often include an initial phase of damage control orthopaedics while the initial manoeuvres of patient and soft tissue resuscitation are employed. Definitive fixation consists of either single-implant (reconstruction femoral nails) or dual-implant constructs. There is no consensus in favour of one of these two strategies. At present, there is no high-quality comparative evidence between the various methods of treatment. The development of advanced design nailing and plating systems has offered fixation constructs with improved characteristics. A comprehensive review of the existing evidence with a step-by-step description of these different definitive fixation strategies based on three case examples was conducted. Furthermore, the rationale for using single vs dual-implant strategy in its case is presented with supportive references. The prevention of complications relies mainly on the strict adherence to basic principles of fracture fixation with an emphasis on careful preoperative planning, the quality of the reduction, and the application of soft tissue-friendly surgical methods.

Novel Ni-P-Tribaloy Composite Protective Coating

Oil and gas pipelines are subject to various forms of damage and degradation during their operation. Electroless Nickel (Ni-P) coatings are widely employed as protective coatings due to their ease of application and unique properties, including high wear and corrosion resistance. However, they are not ideal for protecting pipelines due to their brittleness and low toughness. Composite coatings of higher toughness can be developed through the co-deposition of second-phase particles into the Ni-P matrix. Tribaloy (CoMoCrSi) alloy possesses excellent mechanical and tribological properties making it a potential candidate for a high-toughness composite coating. In this study, Ni-P-Tribaloy composite coating consisting of 15.7 vol.% Tribaloy was successfully deposited on low-carbon steel substrates. Both the monolithic and the composite coatings were studied to evaluate the effect of the addition of Tribaloy particles. The micro-hardness of the composite coating was measured to be 6.00 GPa, 12% greater than that of the monolithic coating. Hertzian-type indentation testing was carried out to investigate the coating's fracture toughness and toughening mechanisms. The 15.7 vol.% Tribaloy coating exhibited remarkably less severe cracking and higher toughness. The following toughening mechanisms were observed: micro-cracking, crack bridging, crack arrest, and crack deflection. The addition of the Tribaloy particles was also estimated to quadruple the fracture toughness. Scratch testing was performed to evaluate the sliding wear resistance under a constant load and a varying number of passes. The Ni-P-Tribaloy coating exhibited more ductile behavior and higher toughness, as the dominant wear mechanism was identified as material removal, as opposed to brittle fracture in the Ni-P coating.

Double-level knee osteotomy accurately corrects lower limb deformity and provides satisfactory functional outcomes in bifocal (femur and tibia) valgus malaligned knees

PURPOSE

Double-level knee osteotomy (DLO) is a challenging procedure that requires precision in preoperative planning and intraoperative execution to achieve the desired correction. It is indicated in cases of severe varus or valgus deformities where a single-level osteotomy would yield significantly tilted joint line obliquity (JLO). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of DLO in achieving accurate correction without compromising JLO, using patient-specific cutting guides (PSCGs), in cases of bifocal valgus maligned knees.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for a total of 26 patients, who underwent DLO by PSCGs for valgus malaligned knees, between 2015 and 2020. Post-operative alignment was evaluated and the delta for different lower limb0.05, not statistically significant (ns)). All KOOS subs alignment parameters was calculated; the hip-knee-ankle angle (ΔHKA), medial proximal tibial angle (ΔMPTA), and lateral distal femoral angle (ΔLDFA). At the two-year follow-up, changes in the KOOS sub-scores, UCLA scores, lower limb discrepancy (LLD), and mean time to return to work and sport were recorded. All intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The Mann-Whitney U test with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to evaluate the differences between two variables; one-way ANOVA between more than two variables and the paired Student's t-test was used to estimate the evolution of functional outcomes.

RESULTS

The postoperative mean ΔHKA was 0.9 ± 0.9°, the mean ΔMPTA was 0.7 ± 0.7°, and the mean ΔLDFA was 0.7 ± 0.8° (all values with p > 0.05, not statistically significant (ns)). All KOOS subscore's mean values were improved to an extent two-fold superior to the reported minimal clinically important difference (MCID) (all with p < 0.0001). There was a significant increase in the UCLA score at the final follow-up (5.4 ± 1.5 preoperatively versus 7.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.01). The mean time to return to sport and work was 4.7 ± 1.1 and 4.3 ± 2.1 months, respectively. There was an improvement in Lower-limb discrepancy preoperative (LLD = 1.3 ± 2 cm) to postoperative measures (LLD = 0.3 ± 0.4 cm), ns. Complications were 2 femoral hinge fractures, 2 deep vein thromboses, 1 delayed tibial healing, and 1 hardware removal for hamstring irritation syndrome.

CONCLUSION

DLO is effective and safe in achieving accurate correction in bifocal valgus malaligned knees with maintained lower limb length and low complication rate with no compromise of JLO.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Can ventral TAPP achieve favorable outcomes in minimally invasive ventral hernia repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The concept of the transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) was transferred from the inguinal hernia repair to be adopted in minimally invasive ventral hernia repair (VHR) and since then it has been gaining popularity. However, there are minimal data supporting the ventral TAPP (vTAPP) technique which may lead to reticence in the adoption of this approach. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the outcomes of patients who received minimally invasive vTAPP for VHR.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic search was performed of PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library until July 2022. We selected studies that compared the vTAPP technique with any of other minimally invasive techniques. A meta-analysis was done for the outcomes of perioperative characteristics and postoperative parameters.

RESULTS

A total of 9 studies (1429 patients) were identified. vTAPP was associated with considerable benefit when compared to IPOM. vTAPP was less painful (MD = - 1.01; 95% CI [- 1.39, - 0.64], p < 0.00001), of reduced average cost (MD = - 457.10; 95% CI [- 457.27, - 456.92], p < 0.00001) and decreased SSI (OR = 0.29; 95% [0.09, 0.96], p = 0.04). On the other hand, the vTAPP approach consumed less operative time (MD: - 31.01, 95% CI [- 33.50, - 28.51]), p < 0.00001) and shorter hospital stay than the e-TEP approach.

CONCLUSION

vTAPP appears to be safe and effective procedure for VHR, superior or similar to other minimally invasive techniques for perioperative characteristics and short-term outcomes.

Learning opportunities from COVID-19 and future effects on health care system

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COVID-19 has had a crippling effect on the health care systems around the world with cancellation of elective medical services and disruption of daily life. We would like to highlight the learning opportunities offered by the current pandemic and their implication for a better future health care system.

METHODS

We have undertaken a comprehensive review of the current literature to analyse the consequences of COVID-19 on health care system. Using suitable keywords like 'COVID-19', 'telemedicine', 'health care' and 'remote consultations' on the search engines of PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Research Gate in the first week of May we gathered information on various aspects of effect of COVID-19.

RESULTS

There has been a shared drive worldwide to devise strategies to protect people against viral transmission with reinforcement of hand hygiene and infection control principles but also to provide continuity of health care. Virtual and remote technologies have been increasingly used in health care management.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 has offered unique learning opportunities for the health care sector. Rationalizing and optimizing available resources with resilience shown on the coronavirus frontline during the crisis are some of most important lessons learnt during the crisis. Importance of personal hygiene and re-enforcement of infection control measures have been acknowledged. Telemedicine revolution will be a vital factor in delivering health care in the future.

The ESC ACCA EAPCI EORP acute coronary syndrome ST-elevation myocardial infarction registry

Aims 

The Acute Cardiac Care Association (ACCA)–European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (EAPCI) Registry on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the EurObservational programme (EORP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) registry aimed to determine the current state of the use of reperfusion therapy in ESC member and ESC affiliated countries and the adherence to ESC STEMI guidelines in patients with STEMI.

Methods and results 

Between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2018, a total of 11 462 patients admitted with an initial diagnosis of STEMI according to the 2012 ESC STEMI guidelines were enrolled. Individual patient data were collected across 196 centres and 29 countries. Among the centres, there were 136 percutaneous coronary intervention centres and 91 with cardiac surgery on-site. The majority of centres (129/196) were part of a STEMI network. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI. Other objectives include to assess management patterns and in particular the current use of reperfusion therapies and to evaluate how recommendations of most recent STEMI European guidelines regarding reperfusion therapies and adjunctive pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are adopted in clinical practice and how their application can impact on patients’ outcomes. Patients will be followed for 1 year after admission.

Conclusion 

The ESC ACCA-EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI registry is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with STEMI. It will provide insights into the contemporary patient profile, management patterns, and 1-year outcome of patients with STEMI.

Myxoid esophageal liposarcoma: A case report of a rare tumor

•

Esophagealliposarcoma represent a rare cause of esophagealtumor.

•

We present a case of liposarcomain the low oesophagus treated by surgical resection.

•

There is no conventional treatment of this pathology.

•

The curative treatment requires surgical resection orendoscopic approach for selected tumor.

Introduction

Esophageal liposarcoma represent a rare cause of esophageal tumor. According to the literature, since the first case reported in 1983, only 42 cases of esophageal liposarcoma were reported.

Presentation of case

We present a case of liposarcoma in the lower oesophagus treated by surgical resection.

Discussion

Liposarcoma in the oesophagus gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon. An analysis of the literature reports 42 cases.In many cases the diagnosis was established in postoperative period.Surgery is the standard treatment including polypectomy, total or subtotal oesophagectomy.

Conclusion

There is no conventional treatment of this pathology. The curative treatment requires surgical resection or endoscopic approach for selected tumor.

Characterization of genetic diversity of cactus species (Opuntia spp.) in Morocco by morphological traits and molecular markers

The genetic diversity within and among 124 accessions of Opuntia spp. collected from different regions of Morocco was assessed using morphological descriptors and molecular markers. Based on 10 morphological traits, the accessions were separated into 3 main clusters; each cluster was containing accessions from different regions and species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was then performed on 22 accessions from different regions and species, with 10 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers and one random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primer. ISSR primers produced 66 bands overall, 64 (96.9 %) of which were polymorphic while 6 bands were generated by the RAPD marker, all polymorphic. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.62 to 0.97, with an average of 0.82. The dendrogram of genetic differences generated using the unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages (UPGMA) method showed 7 different clusters at a similarity of 0.76, which was confirmed by the principal component analysis (PCA). The main conclusion of our work is the high genetic similarity between Opuntia ficus indica and Opuntia megacantha species in Morocco. Our results will be useful for plant breeding and genetic resource conservation programs.

[Trans-hepatico cystic coledochostomy for the opening hydatid cyst in the biliary tract: Indications and outcome evaluation of 25 cases]

The treatment of hydatid cysts of the liver opened in the bile ducts is sometimes difficult and complex. The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy (CTHK) is one of these processes. We conducted a review of the indications for this surgical procedure and its perioperative outcomes through a series of 25 patients and then we analyzed predictor factors of complications. During the period's study, 909 patients with liver hydatid cyst went under the surgery. Ninety two (92, i.e. 10.1%) of them had an opening in the bile ducts through a large fistula. Twenty five (25, i.e. 27%) had a trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy. The sex ratio was 0.6. The population was young with an average age of 47 years. The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy was performed because of a thick pericyst associated with a nonsutured fistula in 18 cases, a voluminous residual cavity with a soft pericyst but the fistula was unexposed in six cases and in a case where the pericyst was thick, fistula was exposed. Its suture was associated with a high risk of bile duct stenosis. Specific morbidity was 20% due to a length of the intraductal coledochostomy under 2 cm (P = 0.016), the absence of an epiploplasty (P = 0.004) and the existence of a leak of contrast material outside the fistula on the cholangiography (P = 0.005). The trans-hepaticocystic coledochostomy is a safe and reliable technique, often indicated when other conservative methods are failing. The application of its technical requirements and avoidance of mounting errors allow reducing its morbidity.

The effectiveness of prophylactic proton pump inhibitors for prevention of non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs associated gastric and duodenal ulcers in elderly

Aims was undertaken to ensure concomitant usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) with Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in Elderly, in order to avoid upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and ulcers.

METHODS

Reviewing of 386 patients' prescription on the EMIS (Egton Medical Information Systems) Web, on April 2014. Checking who have not been prescribed PPIs with NSAIDs, offering them appointment for prescription and discussion about risks and benefits of PPIs. Re-audit of 390 patients' prescription on the EMIS Web, on July 2014. Exclusion criteria in the audit and re-audit were; NSAIDs usage for more than 3 years, contra-indications for PPIs, and patients who declined inclusion in the audit.

RESULTS

In the first audit cycle, a total of 386 patients' prescription reviewed, 23 (6%) patients were not prescribed PPIs with NSAIDs and were eligible for PPIs prescription. Those patients were contacted by post, an appointment arranged for them and prescribed the PPIs. 12 weeks later a re-audit was done, showed that all patients (100%) who are prescribed NSAIDs are prescribed prophylactic PPIs. None of the patients who are prescribed NSAIDs and PPIs concomitantly developed upper GI symptoms or ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

The audit increased the awareness of the junior doctors of the importance of concomitant prescription of PPIs with NSAIDs, in accordance with the electronic Medical Compendium (eMC) guidelines, to prevent upper GI symptoms and ulcers. That was reflected in the re-audit having 100% of the patients prescribed NSAIDs and PPIs concomitantly.

Theoretical study of phenylene-thiophene oligomers: structure-properties relationship

Theoretical results including geometrical characteristics, electronic structures, photophysical parameters (lowest excitation energies, electron affinities (EAs), ionization potentials (IPs), maximum of absorption and emission) and vibrational modes of some new oligomers, based on phenylene-thiophene motives, are investigated using Density Functional Theory DFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d) approach. The electronic and optical properties of phenylene-based derivatives can be tuned through the insertion of thiophene in the main oligomers backbone as well as the addition of alkoxy-substituent groups on 2 and 5 positions on phenylene groups. It can be noticed, that different conformational behaviors and steric effects take place. Then, an increase in conjugation length induces a decrease in the gaps energy and a bathochromic shift of absorption/emission spectra. Based on these computed results, which are consistent with the available experimental data, the correlation structure-properties is better understood, where these nanostructures show a great potential for opto-electronic devices.

A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Effect of Doping and Interface Formation on Ppv−ether Copolymer

We present a detailed optoelectronic and vibrational study devoted to the transformation from neutral to doped PPV-ether copolymer in both powder and thin film states. The full geometries were optimized with the density functional theory (DFT) for neutral and doped states, where a comparative geometric study was established. The lowest singlet excited-state geometries have been investigated by using the configuration interaction single (CIS/3-21G(d)) method. The absorption spectra are then calculated respectively on the basis of the ground- and excited-state geometries. Our calculation results are in close agreement with those available from experiments. The charge distribution and excitation energies of singly charged PPV-ether are calculated, where two subgap absorption features are found to dominate the optical spectrum correlated with the polaron picture. These theoretical results are compared to experimental optical data illustrated by iodine-doped PPV-ether. Next, we have performed a simulation to model the conformations and the electronic structure modifications of interface formation of PPV-ether copolymer thin film with calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and aluminum (Al) metal as a cathode and indium tin oxide (ITO) as anode in polymer LEDs. By providing the optical parameter obtained and the chemical reaction at the interface, we present the energetic diagram near the interface and the energy position of the lowest occupied molecular orbital with respect to the electrode Fermi level.

[Ectopic pregnancy: interest and value of clinical examination in management policy]

Clinical examination (history and physical examination) is not considered to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy (EP). In this systematic review we aimed to evaluate its value when ancillary tests are not readily available or when they are equivocal. Suspicion of EP is based on the presence of one or more of the following signs: vaginal bleeding, acute pelvic pain, or any risk factors for EP occurring in a pregnant woman. Detection of early pregnancy by urinary or serum hCG testing must be systematic because neither medical history nor physical examination can rule out early pregnancy with a high level of confidence. No isolated sign has sufficient diagnostic accuracy to rule out EP. In presence of vaginal bleeding without pain and if abdominal and pelvic examination are normal the risk of EP is very low. The presence of spontaneous pain moderate to severe, peritoneal signs, or definite pain during digital cervical mobilization increase the probability of EP. Absence of these signs does not rule out EP but tend to eliminate tubal rupture. In the presence of these signs one may consider an emergency transfer in a specialized center. In their absence, suspicion of EP may have outpatient diagnosis procedures.

[Diagnosis of holoprosencephalia. Report of 17 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the epidemiologic profile of holoprosencephalia and determine benefits of ultrasound and foetopathologic examination to the diagnostic. METHODS AN MATERIAL: [corrected] Retrospective study about 17 cases of holoprosencephalia observed in CMNT between Janaury 1992 and September 2000.

RESULTS

Ultrasound diagnosis was made in 13 cases (75%). Ultrasound criteria were; absence of median structure of the brain and unique ventricule. The prognosis was always bad. Foetopathologic examination revealed 7 cases of lobar holoproencephalia and 10 of semi lobar. Fascial dysmorphia were noted in 82% of cases.

CONCLUSION

The foetopathology and genetic counselling looking for fascial, dysmorphia in family's members gives a good evaluation of recurrences.

[Value of ambulatory diagnostic hysteroscopy. A review of a series of 292 cases]

This is a retrospective study including 292 ambulatory diagnostic hystéroscopies realised during a period of 1 year and a half. The mid age of our patients is 44 years. The main indications are haemorrhage, infertility and abnormal ultrasound findings. The exams are carried out under analgesia. Its sensibility is good concerning the endométrial pathology. As a matter of fact, it equals 100% for adénocarcinomas, it varies from 56.5 to 77.3% for hyperplasia, 100% for endométrial polyps and from 88 to 90% for endométrial atrophy. In contrast, it is worse for the myométrial pathology such as adénomyose and sub mucosal myomas. Besides its sensibility, the tolerance of this exam allows its ambulatory realisation permitting a considerable economy.

Kerosene stove as a cause of burns admitted to the Ain Shams burn unit

Kerosene stoves are in widespread use for cooking and warming water in underprivileged areas in Cairo. These stoves are dangerous and lack safety measures; they are often a cause of fire incidents and burn injuries. During the period from May 1995 to December 1996 the number of patients who presented to the burn unit of Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt was 759, of whom 304 (40%) sustained the injury as a consequence of kerosene stove fires. Efforts to inform the public about the danger of these stoves are recommended to minimize the incidence, morbidity, mortality and cost of this relatively common and preventable type of injury.

Palliative balloon valvoplasty of the pulmonary valve in tetralogy of Fallot

Balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve was performed in 54 patients with tetralogy of Fallot with severe cyanosis, high haematocrit and severe valvar pulmonary stenosis. Clinical, echocardiographic, angiographic, and haemodynamic data were analyzed before and after the procedure. After balloon dilation, the systemic oxygen saturation increased from a mean value of 66% to 85%. The mean value of the haematocrit before dilation was 55 + 13, and decreased to 47 after dilation (p < 0.002) in 2 months follow-up. Balloon dilation increased the size of the pulmonary valvar orifice from a mean value of 9 + 5 mm to 11.5 + 2 mm (p < 0.005). The mean Z score of the pulmonary valves, which was -3 + 1.3 before dilation, increased to -1.1 + 1.1 immediately after the procedure (p < 0.05). The size of the right and left pulmonary arteries increased after dilation from 9 mm to 10 mm, and from 8.7 + 2.4 mm to 9.8 + 2.3 mm, respectively (p < 0.05). The comparable mean Z scores increased from -2.8 + 1.9 SD to -1.8 + 1.4 SD, and from -2.4 + 1.9 SD to -1.5 + 1.6 SD for the right and left branches, respectively (p < 0.05). In patients with stenosis at the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and hypoplasia of the left artery, successful dilation of the pulmonary valve lead to an increase of flow and improvement in size of the hypoplastic segment. In conclusion, initial balloon dilation of the pulmonary valve in tetralogy of Fallot resulted in increase of the Z score for the pulmonary valve and improved antegrade pulmonary blood flow, inducing growth of the pulmonary arteries and ameliorating the anatomic and physiologic preoperative condition.