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European Spine Journal : Official... Oct 2023Odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fractures in the elderly, with a controversial optimal treatment. The objective of this review was to compare the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Odontoid fractures are the most common cervical spine fractures in the elderly, with a controversial optimal treatment. The objective of this review was to compare the outcome of surgical and conservative treatments in elderly (≥ 65 years), by updating a systematic review published by the authors in 2013.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted in seven databases. Clinical outcome was the primary outcome. Fracture union- and stability were secondary outcomes. Pooled point estimates and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using the random-effects model. A random-effects multivariable meta-regression model was used to correct for baseline co-variates when sufficiently reported.
RESULTS
Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria, of which forty were case series and one a cohort study. No clinical differences in outcomes including the Neck Disability Index (NDI, 700 patients), Visual Analogue Scale pain (VAS, 180 patients), and Smiley-Webster Scale (SWS, 231 patients) scores were identified between surgical and conservative treatments. However, fracture union was higher in surgically treated patients (pooled incidence 72.7%, 95% CI 66.1%, 78.5%, 31 studies, 988 patients) than in conservatively treated patients (40.2%, 95% CI 32.0%, 49.0%, 22 studies, 912 patients). This difference remained after correcting for age and fracture type. Fracture stability (41 studies, 1917 patients), although numerically favoring surgery, did not appear to differ between treatment groups.
CONCLUSION
While surgically treated patients showed higher union rates than conservatively treated patients, no clinically relevant differences were observed in NDI, VAS pain, and SWS scores and stability rates. These results need to be further confirmed in well-designed comparative studies with proper adjustment for confounding, such as age, fracture characteristics, and osteoporosis degree.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Cohort Studies; Spinal Fractures; Odontoid Process; Fractures, Bone; Pain; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37439865
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07779-1 -
Endocrine Practice : Official Journal... Sep 2023Age-related declines in muscle and bone, alongside a shift toward greater adiposity, contribute to falls and fracture risk. Testosterone is osteogenic, myogenic, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone Therapy on Musculoskeletal Health and Clinical Outcomes in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.
OBJECTIVE
Age-related declines in muscle and bone, alongside a shift toward greater adiposity, contribute to falls and fracture risk. Testosterone is osteogenic, myogenic, and catabolic to fat. As such, we examined the effects of testosterone therapy on musculoskeletal health and clinical outcomes in men.
METHODS
Electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Central) were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on the effects of testosterone therapy versus placebo on any primary outcome (bone density, muscle mass, fat mass, muscle strength/physical performance) or secondary outcome (falls, fractures, disability, adverse events) in men (≥18 years). A random effects meta-regression examined the effects of testosterone on prespecified outcomes.
RESULTS
One thousand seven hundred twenty-eight men across 16 RCTs were included (mean age: 77.1 ± 7.6 years). Baseline mean serum testosterone ranged from 7.5 ± 0.3 to 18.9 ± 1.2 nmol/L. Compared to placebo, 6 months of testosterone therapy increased hip bone density and total lean mass, but effects for handgrip and total fat mass did not reach statistical significance. No significant effects of testosterone therapy on musculoskeletal outcomes were evident at 12 months. The limited number of RCTs reporting on adverse events/clinical outcomes, and the low incidence of these events across RCTs, prohibited statistical comparisons.
CONCLUSION
After 6 months, testosterone effectively increases hip bone density and total lean mass in men, but its effects are unclear for lumbar spine bone density and handgrip strength. Further, RCTs are needed to clarify the safety and efficacy of testosterone on musculoskeletal health and clinical outcomes.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Testosterone; Bone Density; Fractures, Bone; Bone and Bones; Muscle Strength; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37164187
DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.04.013 -
Journal of Neurotrauma Feb 2024Frailty is a known predictor of negative health outcomes. The role of frailty in predicting outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI), however, is unclear. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Frailty is a known predictor of negative health outcomes. The role of frailty in predicting outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI), however, is unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between frailty and adverse outcomes in patients with TBI. We identified relevant articles that investigated the relationship between frailty and outcomes in patients with TBI by searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE from inception until 23 March 2023. To evaluate the risk of bias in the included studies, we utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). In addition, quantitative synthesis and meta-analyses were performed. We identified 12 studies that met our inclusion criteria; three were prospective. Of included studies, eight had low risk, three had moderate risk, and one had high risk of bias. Frailty was significantly associated with death in five studies, with an increased risk of in-hospital death and complications observed in frail patients. Frailty was associated with longer hospital stays and unfavorable outcome measured by the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) in four studies. The meta-analysis found that higher frailty significantly increased the odds of non-routine discharge and unfavorable outcome as measured by GOSE scores of 4 or lower. The pooled odds ratio (OR) for non-routine discharge, was 1.80, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.15-2.84; and for unfavorable outcome, it was 1.91, with a 95% CI of 1.09-3.36. The analysis, however, did not find a significant predictive role for frailty on death (30-day or in-hospital death). The OR for higher frailty and death was 1.42 with a 95% CI of 0.92-2.19. Frailty should be considered in the evaluation of patients with TBI to identify those who may be at increased risk of negative outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Prognosis; Frailty; Hospital Mortality; Prospective Studies; Brain Injuries, Traumatic
PubMed: 37416987
DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0176 -
The Spine Journal : Official Journal of... Aug 2023Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious health problem which carries a heavy economic burden. Imaging technologies play an important role in the diagnosis of SCI. Although...
BACKGROUND CONTEXT
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious health problem which carries a heavy economic burden. Imaging technologies play an important role in the diagnosis of SCI. Although several organizations have developed guidelines for diagnostic imaging of SCI, their quality has not yet been systematically assessed.
PURPOSE
We aim to conduct a systematic review to appraise SCI guidelines and summarize their recommendations for diagnostic imaging of SCI.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
We searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, some guideline-specific databases (eg, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) and Google Scholar from January 2000 to January 2022. We included guidelines developed by nationally recognized organizations. If multiple versions could be obtained, we included the latest one. We appraised included guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition instrument which contains six domains (eg, scope and purpose). We also extracted recommendations and assessed their supporting evidence using levels of evidence (LOE). The evidence was categorized as A (the best quality), B, C, and D (the worst quality).
RESULTS
Seven guidelines (2008-2020) were included. They all received the lowest scores in the domain of applicability. All guidelines (7/7, 100%) recommended magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with SCI or SCI without radiographic abnormality (SCIWORA). A total of 12 recommendations involving patient age (eg, adult and child patients), timing of MRI (eg, as soon as possible and in the acute period), symptoms indicated for MRI (eg, a stiff spine and midline tenderness, suspected disc and posterior ligamentous complex injury, and neurological deficit), and types of MRI (eg, T2-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging) were extracted. Among them, the LOE was C in nine (75%) recommendations and D in three (25%) recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Seven guidelines were included in the present systematic review, and all of them showed the worst applicability scores in the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation, 2nd edition instrument. They all weakly recommended MRI for patients with suspected SCI or SCIWORA based on a low LOE.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Diffusion Tensor Imaging; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Spinal Cord Injuries
PubMed: 36934792
DOI: 10.1016/j.spinee.2023.03.003 -
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery... Oct 2023Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a disabling complication of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for acetabular fractures. There is a trend towards acute... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a disabling complication of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for acetabular fractures. There is a trend towards acute total hip arthroplasty (THA), 'fix-and-replace', in patients considered to have a poor prognosis and likelihood of PTOA. Controversy remains between early fix-and-replace, versus delayed THA as required after initial ORIF. This systematic review included studies comparing functional and clinical outcomes between acute versus delayed THA after displaced acetabular fractures.
METHODS
Comprehensive searches following the PRISMA guideline were performed on six databases for articles in English published anytime up to 29 March 2021. Two authors screened articles and discrepancies were resolved by consensus. Patient demographics, fracture classification, functional and clinical outcomes were compiled and analysed.
RESULTS
The search yielded 2770 unique studies, of which five retrospective studies were identified with a total of 255 patients. Of them, 138 (54.1%) were treated with acute and 117 (45.9%) treated with delayed THA. Delayed THA group represented a younger cohort compared to the acute group (mean age, 64.3 vs 73.3). The mean follow-up time for the acute and delayed group was 23 and 50 months, respectively. There was no difference in functional outcomes between the two study groups. Complication and mortality rates were comparable. Delayed THA had a higher revision rate compared to the acute group (17.1 vs 4.3%; p = 0.002).
CONCLUSION
Fix-and-replace had functional outcomes and complication rates similar to ORIF and delayed THA, but lower revision rates. Although the quality of studies was mixed, sufficient equipoise now exists to justify randomised studies in this area. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021235730.
Topics: Humans; Middle Aged; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Retrospective Studies; Acetabulum; Fractures, Bone; Hip Fractures; Open Fracture Reduction; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Spinal Fractures; Osteoarthritis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36810707
DOI: 10.1007/s00590-023-03489-y -
World Neurosurgery Nov 2023With a varying annual incidence across populations, traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains a public health concern of utmost importance, especially in developing... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
With a varying annual incidence across populations, traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) remains a public health concern of utmost importance, especially in developing countries with an incidence rate ranging from 12.7 to 29.7 per million people and a postulated increase in the number of patients living with undesirable complications of this condition. It is against this background that we reviewed the literature to bring to light the epidemiology, burden, management, and outcomes of TSCIs across Africa.
METHODS
The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was used in this study. We included descriptive studies with data on the incidence, presentation, management, and outcomes of TSCIs in African surgical centers. We conducted our search on PubMed and OVID Embase and supplemented it with an extensive review of African Journal Online and Google Scholar.
RESULTS
Thirteen papers were identified from our search. Most papers were from Nigeria (n = 4) and Tanzania (n = 3). In total, our review included 1332 persons across the different centers. There were more males than females (n = 1029/1332, 72%). The most common etiology was road traffic accidents, constituting 44%, while falls and other mechanisms like assault and sports injuries had 28% each. The incidence of TSCI varied from 13 per million population per year in Botswana to 75.6 per million population per year in South Africa.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of the traumatic condition in certain parts of Africa is significantly higher than in other parts of the world, suggesting the need for an urgent call to action regarding addressing its key drivers.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Spinal Cord Injuries; Athletic Injuries; Incidence; Tanzania; Public Health
PubMed: 37648200
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2023.08.096 -
BMC Sports Science, Medicine &... Sep 2023Lumbar spine injuries in fast bowlers account for the greatest missed playing time in cricket. A range of extrinsic and intrinsic variables are hypothesised to be...
BACKGROUND
Lumbar spine injuries in fast bowlers account for the greatest missed playing time in cricket. A range of extrinsic and intrinsic variables are hypothesised to be associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers, and an improved understanding of intrinsic variables is necessary as these may alter load tolerance and injury risk associated with fast bowling. This review critically evaluated studies reporting intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in fast bowlers and identified areas for future investigation.
METHODS
OVID Medline, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases were last searched on 3 June 2022 to identify studies investigating intrinsic variables associated with low back pain and lumbar spine injury in cricket fast bowlers. Terms relevant to cricket fast bowling, and intrinsic variables associated with lumbar spine injury and low back pain in fast bowlers were searched. 1,503 abstracts were screened, and 118 full-text articles were appraised to determine whether they met inclusion criteria. Two authors independently screened search results and assessed risk of bias using a modified version of the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, no included studies demonstrated a low risk of bias, two studies were identified as moderate risk, and twenty-three studies were identified as high risk. Conflicting results were reported amongst studies investigating associations of fast bowling kinematics and kinetics, trunk and lumbar anatomical features, anthropometric traits, age, and neuromuscular characteristics with low back pain and lumbar spine injury.
CONCLUSION
Inconsistencies in results may be related to differences in study design, injury definitions, participant characteristics, measurement parameters, and statistical analyses. Low back pain and lumbar spine injury occurrence in fast bowlers remain high, and this may be due to an absence of low bias studies that have informed recommendations for their prevention. Future research should employ clearly defined injury outcomes, analyse continuous datasets, utilise models that better represent lumbar kinematics and kinetics during fast bowling, and better quantify previous injury, lumbar anatomical features and lumbar maturation.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ERKZ2 .
PubMed: 37730648
DOI: 10.1186/s13102-023-00732-1 -
Disability and Rehabilitation May 2024Experiencing spinal cord injury (SCI) can be life-changing for individuals and their families. Previous reviews have focused on coping and psychological adjustment,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Experiencing spinal cord injury (SCI) can be life-changing for individuals and their families. Previous reviews have focused on coping and psychological adjustment, sexual function and sexuality, or factors facilitating or impeding interpersonal relationships after SCI. However, there is a very little synthesis of research focusing on changes to adult attachment and emotional intimacy post-SCI. This review aims to examine the mechanisms of change in adult attachment and intimacy in romantic relationships following SCI.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Four online databases (Psycinfo, Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus) were searched for qualitative papers concerning romantic relationships, attachments, and intimacy post-SCI. Sixteen of the 692 papers met the inclusion criteria. These were quality assessed and analysed using meta-ethnography.
RESULTS
Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) strengthening and maintaining adult attachment; (b) changes in roles; and (c) changing views of intimacy.
CONCLUSION
Many couples face significant changes to adult attachment and intimacy following SCI. Systematic ethnographic analysis of their negotiations enabled the identification of underlying relational processes and adaptation strategies associated with changes to inter-dependence, communication, role revision, and re-definition of intimacy. The findings indicate that healthcare providers should assess and respond to challenges faced by couples post-SCI using evidence consistent with adult attachment theory.
Topics: Humans; Spinal Cord Injuries; Adaptation, Psychological; Interpersonal Relations; Object Attachment; Sexual Partners; Adult; Female; Male
PubMed: 37326037
DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2023.2218650 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Nov 2023The incidence of acetabular fractures has increased significantly in recent years due to demographic change. It can be divided into high-energy acetabular fractures... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The incidence of acetabular fractures has increased significantly in recent years due to demographic change. It can be divided into high-energy acetabular fractures primarily seen in adult patients versus geriatric patients mostly suffering from low-energy trauma. Historically, acetabular fractures have been treated either non-operatively or surgically following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), whereas nowadays total hip arthroplasty (THA) provides a true alternative. Aim of this study was to perform a systematic review on the outcome following THA in acute acetabulum fractures.
METHODS
PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and Google databases were systematically searched on December 9, 2021. The key terms were [acetabular fracture] AND [[arthroplasty] OR [fixation]]. All retrospective and prospective original studies in English and German were analyzed the outcome following THA in acute acetabulum fractures were included.
RESULTS
A total of 2459 studies were screened, which includes 15 studies that met the inclusion criteria with a total of 590 patients at a mean age of 61.3 years (SD 11.48). Most studies described good to excellent results. Especially, THA allows elderly patients quicker mobilization and rehabilitation as well as symptomatic relief, as compared to ORIF or non-operative treatment. Patients who underwent non-operative treatment showed better results compared to those who underwent ORIF initially.
CONCLUSION
In acetabulum fractures, THA provides a good alternative with very good results when patients are carefully selected. Good to excellent outcomes are reported for both acute and delayed use of THA in elderly patients.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level 2, systematic review.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Aged; Middle Aged; Fractures, Bone; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Acetabulum; Retrospective Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Prospective Studies; Hip Fractures; Spinal Fractures; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37543998
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-023-05007-5 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Spinal cord injury has a major impact on both the individual and society. This damage can cause permanent loss of sensorimotor functions, leading to structural and... (Review)
Review
Effectiveness of the Combined Use of a Brain-Machine Interface System and Virtual Reality as a Therapeutic Approach in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review.
Spinal cord injury has a major impact on both the individual and society. This damage can cause permanent loss of sensorimotor functions, leading to structural and functional changes in somatotopic regions of the spinal cord. The combined use of a brain-machine interface and virtual reality offers a therapeutic alternative to be considered in the treatment of this pathology. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combined use of virtual reality and the brain-machine interface in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and Medline, including articles published from the beginning of each database until January 2023. Articles were selected based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the PEDro scale and SCIRE systems were used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies. Eleven articles were selected from a total of eighty-two. Statistically significant changes were found in the upper limb, involving improvements in shoulder and upper arm mobility, and weaker muscles were strengthened. In conclusion, most of the articles analyzed used the electroencephalogram as a measurement instrument for the assessment of various parameters, and most studies have shown improvements. Nonetheless, further research is needed with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up to establish conclusive results regarding the effect size of these interventions.
PubMed: 38132079
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243189