Arabic Translation of the Knee Outcome Survey-Sports Activities Scale With Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation

Background

There are few sports-specific knee functional scales in the Arabic language. The Knee Outcome Survey-Sports Activities Scale (KOS-SAS) is a validated sports-specific patient-reported outcome measure that assesses knee function in an athletic population.

Purpose

To provide a validated Arabic version of the KOS-SAS (KOS-SAS-Ar) while achieving cross-cultural adaptation for use in an Arabic-speaking population with sports-related knee disorders.

Study Design

Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

There were 2 independent translators who conducted a forward translation of the KOS-SAS, followed by a backward translation by different translators. Subsequently, researchers and expert invitees judged the conceptual content and cultural adaptations of the final translation. A total of 276 patients completed the KOS-SAS-Ar as well as the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective assessment of knee function and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Statistical analysis was performed for test-retest reliability, convergent validity, construct validity, and factor analysis.

Results

The test-retest reliability of the KOS-SAS-Ar was high (r = 0.9). The items of the KOS-SAS-Ar had statistically significant internal consistency, with a Cronbach alpha of .924 (P < .0001). The KOS-SAS-Ar Symptoms subscore correlated with the VAS pain score (P < .0001), and the KOS-SAS-Ar Functional Limitations subscore correlated with the IKDC subjective score (P < .0001). The construct validity of the KOS-SAS-Ar was satisfactory (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value = 0.868; Bartlett test: P < .0001). Factor analysis showed a statistical correlation among the 11 items of the KOS-SAS-Ar.

Conclusion

The KOS-SAS-Ar demonstrated favorable reliability and validity, and it appears to be a suitable tool for Arabic-speaking patients with sports-related knee conditions.

Breakage of a re-activated PRECICE® nail: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Distraction osteogenesis using motorized nails have shown promising results. These high-priced nails are regularly removed following successful lengthening sessions. The internal lengthening mechanism inside such nails is presumably intact and perhaps capable of running additional lengthening. Motorized nails are relatively weaker than conventional nails. This case report presented a broken re-activated PRECICE nail which has not been previously reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 21-year-old male patient with right short tibia. He has completed an uneventful lengthening session using tibial PRECICE® nail. A residual length discrepancy persisted despite 4 cm length gain. Attempt of re-lengthening was conducted utilizing the pre-implanted PRECICE® nail. The re-lengthening session run smoothly throughout distraction phase. Late in the consolidation phase, partial nail breakage occurred. The patient acknowledged intermittent gentle weightbearing against the physician's recommendations. The broken nail was removed on emergency basis. Cast immobilization with non-weightbearing continued until achievement of full consolidation clinically and radiographically.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Most of commercially available lengthening motorized nails are considered less rigid compared to conventional nails and hence more susceptible to deformation and metal failure. However, nail breakage has been reported in both conventional and lengthening nails. Re-activation of PRECICE nail for additional lengthening session could carry higher risk of breakage.

CONCLUSION

Possibility of nail breakage may be higher in re-activated PRECICE® nails relative to newly implanted PRECICE® nails. More studies are required to evaluate behavior of re-activated lengthening nails. Defective lengthening nails must not be re-activated. The patient compliance is essential for successful re-activation of lengthening nails.

Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic on Orthopedic Residents' Clinical and Academic Performance, and the Subsequent Impact on Their Mental Status in Saudi Arabia

INTRODUCTION

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopedic residency programs was substantial worldwide. Orthopedic residency programs eventually survived such a hardship with implementation of certain measures. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the orthopedic trainees was variable relative to the country in which orthopedic residency program is based. This study aimed to assess the experience of the orthopedic residents during COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and consequences on mental health, academic performance, and clinical training.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to August 2021. An online survey was sent to the orthopedic residents in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was arranged into four sections pertaining to demographic data, academic activity, mental health, and clinical activity.

RESULTS

One-hundred forty-four orthopedic residents participated with mean age of 28.7 ± 5.67 years. Males were 108 (75%) and females were 36 (25%). Fifty-four (37.5%) residents worked in COVID-19 isolation unit. One-hundred twenty residents (83.3%) treated COVID-19 patients. Thirty residents (20.8%) had positive COVID-19 tests. Eighty-four (58.3%) residents were quarantined. Overall online education was difficult (41%). Half of the participants faced online difficulties in technicality, maintaining attention, and interaction with audience and examiners. Prospective research conduction was difficult (71.4%). More than 50% of residents experienced difficulties with isolation, quarantine, socialization, and anxiety of disease transmission. Physical examination was difficult for 50% of trainees. No shortage of PPE supply was reported. Getting hands-on surgical training was very difficult (47.8%).

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 pandemic had an adverse impact on Saudi orthopedic residents in terms of academic performance, mental wellbeing, and clinical training. After all, adequate level of orthopedic training quality was maintained. In crises, collaborative efforts are needed to minimize undesirable consequences on the trainees' competency level. Residency program decision makers should utilize all available strategies to optimize the training environment to achieve the required competency level.

Mechanical Failures in Magnetic Intramedullary Lengthening Nails

BACKGROUND

Magnetic intramedullary lengthening nails (MILNs) have gained popularity in recent years for the treatment of limb-lengthening discrepancies. We sought to catalog mechanical failures and their prevention and management in a large, single-institution series. We specifically assessed the rate of mechanical failures, the types of failures observed, and management strategies.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 377 patients (420 limbs) who underwent limb lengthening with early (P1) or later (P2) MILN iterations with ≥12-month follow-up. Mechanical failure was defined as mechanical breakage of the instrumentation or nail and/or failure of the internal lengthening mechanism. Failure assessment was arranged by lengthening phases and was sorted with a complication classification system. All lengthening and alignment parameters were assessed radiographically.

RESULTS

Mechanical failure was observed in 40 nails (9.5%), most of which (63%) were corrected with an additional surgical procedure. The mechanical failure rate was 11.3% in P1 nails and 9% in P2 nails. Two nails failed the intraoperative distraction test, and 1 nail was found to have a broken washer during the insertion phase. Sixteen nails had mechanical failures in the lengthening phase. Some nails (8 of 16) required nail replacement surgery. Thirteen nails failed during the consolidation phase; 7 of these cases were managed by replacement with either a functional MILN or a conventional intramedullary nail. Eight failures happened during the extraction phase and were managed intraoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

A 9.5% overall rate of mechanical failure of MILNs was observed in this large series. Resolution was achieved with an additional surgery in most cases. Nail distraction and weight-bearing compliance should be closely monitored during the lengthening and consolidation phases. Nail removal can be difficult and requires a careful study of radiographs for locking-screw bone overgrowth and backup removal equipment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Hamstring autograft utilization in reconstructing anterior cruciate ligament: Review of harvesting techniques, graft preparation, and different fixation methods

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common orthopedic injury. Various graft options are available for the reconstruction of ruptured ACL. Using the hamstring muscle as an autograft was first described in 1934, and it remains a commonly harvested graft for ACL reconstruction. Hamstring autografts can be harvested using the traditional anteromedial approach or the newer posteromedial technique. An isolated semitendinosus tendon can be used or combined with the gracilis tendon. There are numerous methods for graft fixation, such as intra-tunnel or extra-tunnel fixation. This comprehensive review discusses the different hamstring muscle harvesting techniques and graft preparation options and fixation methods. It provides a comprehensive overview for choosing the optimal surgical technique when treating patients.

Determination of Bone Age and its Correlation to the Chronological Age Based on the Greulich and Pyle Method in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Many clinical indications need the measurement of bone age, including growth and development abnormalities, the timing of corrective procedures in pediatric patients, and the assessment and treatment of specific endocrine conditions. These evaluations are also useful in forensic science. Aim: This study aims to compare the bone age of children aged 4 to 18 years old with their chronological age in order to determine whether the Greulich-Pyle (GP) method is trustworthy for Saudi youngsters. Materials & Methods: Multiple approaches for determining bone age have been published, but Greulich and Pyle's methodology is the most extensively utilized. This method is based on an inspectional evaluation that compares the radiograph to the pattern described in a 1950 atlas using a sample of North American children aged birth to 18 years for the female sex and up to 19 years for the male sex. It is one of the most commonly utilized procedures for assessing the skeletal age of children and adolescents since it is rapid and quick to perform. It is based on the fact that ossification centers in the hand and wrist bones emerge in a predetermined order. For male and female youngsters, the degree of ossification in various hand and wrist bones is compared to the nearest matching plate on the Greulich & Pyle Atlas. This cross-sectional study was performed during April 2021 to September 2021. Results: Total 216 patients were included or selected in this study among age group 4-18 years, the sex distribution among them were 148 (68.5%) and 68 (31.5%) were male and female respectively. Chronological age and bone age assessment by GP methodamong doctors when chronological age was 135.2 ± 45.0 (range, 45-216 months). Chronological age in male and female were 143.5 ± 44.0 and 116.9 ± 41.8 respectively with p value <0.001 which was statistically significant. The bone age were observed in two reading, first reading and second reading after 15 days by two doctors separately and all the finding were recorded almost similar and significant with p value <0.001. Correlation between Chronological age and Bone age by GP method in both sex observed significant p value <0.001. Linear regression analysis showed that the bone ageand its correlation to the chronological age assessment in first reading in male(r=0.761 and p<0.001) and female(r=0.889 and p<0.001), in reading after 15 days in male(r=0.760 and p<0.001) and female(r=0.868 and p<0.001). Conclusion: In order to evaluate whether the Greulich-Pyle (GP) technique is accurate for Saudi children, the bone age of children aged 4 to 18 years old should be evaluated to their chronological age, according to this research.

Post-retrieval functionality testing of PRECICE lengthening nails: The "Sleeper" nail concept

INTRODUCTION

PRECICE intramedullary magnetic lengthening nails, introduced in 2011, have changed the landscape of long bone limb lengthening. The implants have a stroke ranging from 5 to 8 cm, but it may be desirable to perform part of the lengthening at one treatment, allow bone healing, leave the implant in place, dormant, and then return one or more years later to re-lengthen with the same implant. We call this the "sleeper" nail concept. This strategy may be gentler for the joints and soft tissues. Would the nail mechanism still be functional one or more years later?

METHODS

We tested 102 intact, consecutively explanted nails. Using a "fast magnet," the male part was lengthened to 5 mm short of its maximum stroke capacity and retracted back to 35 mm (all nails start with the male part exposed 30 mm). The nails passed the test if the male part succeeded in lengthening to 5 mm short of the maximum stroke capacity and back to 35 mm (or only retract in case fully deployed at testing). During our testing, the nails were prevented from reaching their full capacity of lengthening/retraction to avoid jamming the gears. Failure was defined as the inability or partial ability to complete the process.

RESULTS

Eighty-six nails (84.3%) performed successfully according to our testing standard. When comparing successful and failed nails in terms of nail type, generation, diameter, length and in vivo interval, there was no statistical significance. Comparing both groups in terms of status at testing (fully deployed or not) showed statistical significance with 9 of the 16 failed nails fully deployed at testing (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Dormant PRECICE nails can be reactivated for further lengthening. The results imply that full deployment may damage the mechanism, making future re-use by retracting and then re-lengthening unsuccessful. The candidate nails for this purpose should not have any signs of clear damage (bending or breakage) and should not have been fully deployed. However, surgeons and patients should be aware of the need for possible nail exchange if the "sleeper" nail fails to wake up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV case series analysis of retrieved surgical implants.

The double ACL sign: An aberrant bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus

Introduction

Meniscal injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries around the knee affecting patients of different genders, ages and activity levels. These injuries could be acute or chronic tears that cause pain and mechanical symptoms based on the injury severity and whether it is displaced and entrapped in an abnormal location within the knee or not. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed us to have a better understanding of multiple bucket handle meniscal tear patterns with its specific MRI signs which have been reported in the literature.

Case presentation

This report presents a rare case of a 16-year-old boy with atypical bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus and MRI showed a bucket-handle tear of lateral meniscus with a fragment entrapped behind and parallel to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) appearing as another ACL in sagittal views. Meniscus was repaired arthroscopically.

Conclusion

In our case, the unique and infrequent mechanism led to a bucket-handle tear involving lateral meniscus with a meniscal fragment entrapped in an unusual place intra-articularly behind ACL giving the appearance of a rare MRI sign “double ACL sign”. However, double ACL sign secondary to lateral meniscal tear has been reported only once previously up to the authors’ knowledge.

•

Radiologically, meniscal tears have multiple pathognomatic signs.

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Double acl sign was reported twice only, one from medial meniscus and the other from lateral meniscus.

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Double acl sign indicates huge bucket handle tear which displaced into the intercondylar notch.

Short-Term Results of Endoscopic Percutaneous Longitudinal Tenotomy for Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy and the Presentation of a Simplified Operative Method

PURPOSE

This study was aimed to review the short-term results of endoscopic percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy for noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy using the Centerline Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release instrument (Arthrex). This method simplifies the operation technique, allows a good endoscopic visualisation of the Achilles tendon with very promising results.

METHODS

We performed multiple percutaneous longitudinal tenotomies under local anesthesia in 24 patients (25 tendons) with Achilles tendinopathy or peritendinitis that had failed conservative treatment between January 2013 and September 2016. All ambulatory procedures consisted of paratenon release and longitudinal tenotomies. The results were reviewed in 22 patients (23 tendons) at an average follow-up period of 22.5 months (range 10-36 months). Patients' satisfaction and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), and the functional foot index.

RESULTS

Initial results are very promising with excellent results in 12 patients, good results in 9 patients, and fair result in 1 patient. One patient developed a postoperative thrombosis of the operated limb. Another patient developed a hypertrophic painful scar of the incision wound. The VAS for pain decreased drastically after the index procedure and averaged to 0.2 (SD 0.447). The VISA-A questionnaire score had improved from 42 ± 7.2 points preoperatively to 96.8 ± 14.3 points postoperatively (P = .004). The functional foot index decreased from 84 (SD 30.517) to 33.4 (SD 6.452) on the follow-up examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic-assisted longitudinal tenotomies procedure of the Achilles tendon is easily feasible and can be performed on an outpatient basis, produces minimal complications and shows excellent results. The described technique is recommended for all surgeons especially for those familiar with endoscopy of the Achilles tendon.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, Level IV: Case Series.

Trapezius Muscle Transfer for Restoration of Elbow Extension in a Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury

Voluntary elbow extension is essential for optimal upper limb positioning required for daily living activities, particularly above-shoulder maneuvers. The authors present a case of traumatic brachial plexus injury in which paralysis of the musculature selectively supplied by the posterior cord was based on magnetic resonance imaging and nerve conduction studies. An attempt at a radial nerve graft at another center was not effective. Ipsilateral hand function improved after multiple local tendon transfers were performed. Restoration of active elbow extension was not possible using the posterior deltoid or the latissimus dorsi because they were denervated by the primary trauma and so the trapezius muscle was used as a donor muscle unit to restore voluntary elbow extension. The patient resumed biking 6 weeks after the transfer procedure. At 2-year follow-up, full active elbow extension was regained, elbow extension power scored 4 of 5, and the patient reported that he could ride his bicycle for 70 miles.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital upper limb differences: a current concept review

Congenital upper limb differences are frequently associated with complex syndromes. Ultrasonography is considered as the first-line diagnostic modality, and fetal MRI can be useful to further evaluate ill-defined areas. Genetic and non-invasive prenatal testing help to identify the underlying genetic disorder. The diagnostic assessment is a multidisciplinary task that should involve early prenatal consultations with specialists involved in case management and treatment planning. Obstetricians, geneticists, radiologists, psychologists and dedicated surgeons are needed to provide good parental education, prenatal and postnatal care, and successful outcomes. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the clinicopathologic background, current diagnostic and imaging procedures in affected fetuses.

Double-Level Pelvic Osteotomy for Managing Persistent Acetabular Dysplasia

Pemberton's osteotomy has been recognized as a standard technique for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia. The aim of this article is to describe the surgical technique of a double-level pelvic osteotomy. To the authors' knowledge, this technique has never been reported. The osteotomy was performed in a case of severe pan-acetabular dysplasia where a single, classic Pemberton's osteotomy was not sufficient to provide adequate coverage. The described osteotomy provided sufficient acetabular coverage and overcame the persistent acetabular dysplasia. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e806-e809.].

Evaluation of the orthopedic residency training program in Saudi Arabia and comparison with a selected Canadian residency program

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of the present study was to assess the quality of the Saudi Orthopedic Residency Program.

METHODOLOGY

As a comparator, a cross-sectional survey involving 76 Saudi residents from different training centers in Saudi Arabia namely; Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Abha, and Dammam and 15 Canadian.

RESULTS

The results showed that Canadian residents read more peer-reviewed, scholarly articles compared with Saudi residents (P=0.002). The primary surgical role for residents was to hold retractors during surgery. The survey respondents strongly supported the ability to recommend removal of incompetent trainers. Saudi trainees were more apprehensive of examinations than Canadian trainees (P<0.0001). Most residents preferred studying multiple-choice questions before examinations. Saudi and Canadian participants considered their programs to be overcrowded. Unlike Canadian participants, Saudi trainees reported an inadequate level of training (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Educational resources should be readily accessible and a mentorship system monitoring residents' progress should be developed. The role of the resident must be clearly defined and resident feedback should not be ignored. Given the importance of mastering basic orthopedic operative skills for residents, meaningful remedial action should be taken with incompetent trainers.