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International Journal of Orthopaedic... Feb 2021Idiopathic scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition leading to deformity of the spinal column. There is strong evidence reporting short term health-related quality of... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Idiopathic scoliosis is a musculoskeletal condition leading to deformity of the spinal column. There is strong evidence reporting short term health-related quality of life outcomes, but less is known about the longer-term impact of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). This paper reports the current evidence on long-term non-clinical outcomes of AIS.
METHOD
A systematic scoping literature review combining descriptive and textual narrative synthesis was undertaken. Studies were included if they: sampled or followed up participants at least 10 years after diagnosis and/or treatment, contained health-related quality of life data that could be extracted, where the intervention (or diagnosis in the case of untreated) occurred after 1980, and where data was extractable for modern rod and screw or fusion techniques, non-surgical interventions or untreated patients.
RESULTS
Twenty-three studies were included. Overall, the HRQOL measures utilised by these studies suggest that HRQOL is not related to participant demographics or AIS characteristics or type or extent of surgical intervention. Some studies suggest that those with AIS scored worse than controls.
DISCUSSION
Results suggest that AIS participants had a generally good quality of life, although this was often worse than those without AIS. No other clear relationships were found. The available literature fails to address more fundamental questions about how HRQOL is conceptualised for those with AIS, and there is value in pursuing qualitative inquiry in this area.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Quality of Life; Scoliosis; Spinal Fusion; Spine
PubMed: 33500208
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijotn.2021.100844 -
Drug Safety Mar 2020Macrolides are widely used during pregnancy; however, their fetal safety remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the relation between prenatal exposure...
INTRODUCTION
Macrolides are widely used during pregnancy; however, their fetal safety remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the relation between prenatal exposure to macrolides and occurrence of congenital malformations.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases until June 12, 2019. We assessed the quality of the studies and checked for heterogeneity and publication bias. We performed three different analyses and compared the effect of macrolides with each of the following unexposed populations: Group 1: babies unexposed to any medicine before birth, Group 2: babies exposed to non-macrolide antibiotics/non-teratogens, and Group 3: mixed population of the first and second comparators.
RESULTS
A weak association between macrolides and congenital malformation of any type was observed when macrolides were compared with the mixed population (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.01-1.10]). Subgroup analysis showed that this weak association is restricted to fetus exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.01-1.11]) and to cohort studies (OR 1.07 [95% CI 1.02-1.13]). Digestive system malformations were found to be slightly associated with prenatal exposure to macrolides (OR 1.14 [95% CI 1.02-1.26]). The musculoskeletal system was also found to be potentially affected (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35] and OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.05-1.26]). European studies showed a slightly stronger association than American studies in these two comparisons.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests a weak association between prenatal use of macrolides and congenital malformations, limited to exposure in early pregnancy, and musculoskeletal and digestive systems. In addition to studies with a larger control of confounding, risk-benefit research is needed to determine the usefulness of macrolides during pregnancy.
Topics: Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; Humans; Macrolides; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Risk Factors
PubMed: 31721138
DOI: 10.1007/s40264-019-00884-5 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2019Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that results in joint deformity and immobility of the musculoskeletal system. The...
BACKGROUND
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that results in joint deformity and immobility of the musculoskeletal system. The major goals of treatment are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down or stop joint damage, prevent disability, and preserve or improve the person's sense of well-being and ability to function. Tai Chi, interchangeably known as Tai Chi Chuan, is an ancient Chinese health-promoting martial art form that has been recognized in China as an effective arthritis therapy for centuries. This is an update of a review published in 2004.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the benefits and harms of Tai Chi as a treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
SEARCH METHODS
We updated the search of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and clinical trial registries from 2002 to September 2018.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We selected randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials examining the benefits (ACR improvement criteria or pain, disease progression, function, and radiographic progression), and harms (adverse events and withdrawals) of exercise programs with Tai Chi instruction or incorporating principles of Tai Chi philosophy. We included studies of any duration that included control groups who received either no therapy or alternate therapy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane.
MAIN RESULTS
Adding three studies (156 additional participants) to the original review, this update contains a total of seven trials with 345 participants. Participants were mostly women with RA, ranging in age from 16 to 80 years, who were treated in outpatient settings in China, South Korea, and the USA. The majority of the trials were at high risk of bias for performance and detection bias, due to the lack of blinding of participants or assessors. Almost 75% of the studies did not report random sequence generation, and we judged the risk of bias as unclear for allocation concealment in the majority of studies. The duration of the Tai Chi programs ranged from 8 to 12 weeks.It is uncertain whether Tai Chi-based exercise programs provide a clinically important improvement in pain among Tai Chi participants compared to no therapy or alternate therapy. The change in mean pain in control groups, measured on visual analog scale (VAS 0 to 10 score, reduced score means less pain) ranged from a decrease of 0.51 to an increase of 1.6 at 12 weeks; in the Tai Chi groups, pain was reduced by a mean difference (MD) of -2.15 (95% confidence interval (CI) -3.19 to -1.11); 22% absolute improvement (95% CI, 11% to 32% improvement); 2 studies, 81 participants; very low-quality evidence, downgraded for imprecision, blinding and attrition bias.There was very low-quality evidence, downgraded for, blinding, and attrition, that was inconclusive for an important difference in disease activity, measured using Disease Activity Scale (DAS-28-ESR) scores (0 to 10 scale, lower score means less disease activity), with no change in the control group and 0.40 reduction (95% CI -1.10 to 0.30) with Tai Chi; 4% absolute improvement (95% CI 11% improvement to 3% worsening); 1 study, 43 participants.For the assessment of function, the change in mean Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ; 0 to 3 scale, lower score means better function) ranged from 0 to 0.1 in the control group, and reduced by MD 0.33 in the Tai Chi group (95% CI -0.79 to 0.12); 11% absolute improvement (95% CI 26% improvement to 4% worsening); 2 studies, 63 participants; very low-quality evidence, downgraded for imprecision, blinding, and attrition. We are unsure of an important improvement, as the results were inconclusive.Participants in Tai Chi programs were less likely than those in a control group to withdraw from studies at 8 to 12 weeks (19/180 in intervention groups versus 49/165 in control groups; risk ratio (RR) 0.40 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.86); absolute difference 17% fewer (95% CI 30% fewer to 3% fewer); 7 studies, 289 participants; low-quality evidence, downgraded for imprecision and blinding.There were no data available for radiographic progression. Short-term adverse events were not reported by group, but in two studies there was some narrative description of joint and muscle soreness and cramps; long-term adverse events were not reported.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
It is uncertain whether Tai Chi has any effect on clinical outcomes (joint pain, activity limitation, function) in RA, and important effects cannot be confirmed or excluded, since all outcomes had very low-quality evidence. Withdrawals from study were greater in the control groups than the Tai Chi groups, based on low-quality evidence. Although the incidence of adverse events is likely to be low with Tai Chi, we are uncertain, as studies failed to explicitly report such events. Few minor adverse events (joint and muscle soreness and cramps) were described qualitatively in the narrative of two of the studies. This updated review provides minimal change in the conclusions from the previous review, i.e. a pain outcome.
Topics: Arthralgia; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Exercise Movement Techniques; Humans; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Tai Ji
PubMed: 31553478
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004849.pub2 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jan 2023Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition following inciting events such as fractures or surgeries with sensorimotor and autonomic manifestations and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition following inciting events such as fractures or surgeries with sensorimotor and autonomic manifestations and poor prognosis. This review aimed to provide conclusive evidence about the sensory phenotype of CRPS based on quantitative sensory testing (QST) to understand the underlying pain mechanisms and guide treatment strategies.
DATABASES
Eight databases were searched based on a previously published protocol. Forty studies comparing QST outcomes (thermal, mechanical, vibration, and electric detection thresholds, thermal, mechanical, pressure, and electric pain thresholds, wind-up ratio, mechanical pain sensitivity, allodynia, flare area, area after pinprick hyperalgesia, pleasantness after C-tactile stimulation, and pain ratings) in chronic CRPS (adults and children) versus healthy controls were included.
RESULTS
From 37 studies (14 of low quality, 22 of fair quality, and 1 of good quality), adults with CRPS showed: (i) significant loss of thermal, mechanical, and vibration sensations, significant gain of thermal and mechanical pain thresholds, significant elevation of pain ratings, and no difference in wind-up ratio; (ii) significant reduction of pleasantness levels and increased area of pinprick hyperalgesia, in the affected limb. From three fair-quality studies, adolescents and children with CRPS showed loss of cold detection with cold hyperalgesia in the affected limb. There was moderate to substantial overall heterogeneity.
CONCLUSION
Diffuse thermal and mechanical hypoesthesia with primary and secondary hyperalgesia, enhanced pain facilitation evidenced by increased area of pinprick hyperalgesia, and elevated pain ratings are dominant in adults with CRPS. Adolescents and children with CRPS showed less severe sensory abnormalities.
Topics: Humans; Hyperalgesia; Pain Measurement; Pain; Complex Regional Pain Syndromes; Pain Threshold
PubMed: 36593515
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03461-2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2022Fractures of the distal femur (the far end of the thigh bone just above the knee) are a considerable cause of morbidity. Various different surgical and non-surgical... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Fractures of the distal femur (the far end of the thigh bone just above the knee) are a considerable cause of morbidity. Various different surgical and non-surgical treatments have been used in the management of these injuries but the best treatment remains unknown.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of interventions for treating fractures of the distal femur in adults.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was October 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials in adults comparing interventions for treating fractures of the distal femur. Interventions included surgical implants (retrograde intramedullary nail (RIMN), fixed-angle devices, non-locking plate fixation, locking plate, internal fixation, distal femoral replacement, mono-axial plates, poly-axial plates and condylar buttress plates) and non-surgical management.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our critical outcomes were validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), direct adverse events, participant-reported quality of life (QoL) and pain scores. Our other important outcomes were adverse events indirectly related to intervention, symptomatic non-union, malunion and resource use. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 14 studies with 753 participants: 13 studies compared different surgical interventions, and one study compared surgical with non-surgical management. Here, we report the effects for RIMN compared with locking plates. Three studies (221 participants) reported this comparison; it included the largest study population and these are the two most commonly used devices in contemporary orthopaedic trauma practice. Studies used three different tools to assess PROMs. We found very-low certainty evidence for lower Disability Rating Index scores after RIMN at short-term follow-up favouring RIMN (mean difference (MD) -21.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -38.16 to -5.64; 1 study, 12 participants) and low-certainty evidence of little or no difference at long-term follow-up (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.22, 95% CI -0.50 to 0.06; 2 studies, 198 participants). Re-expressing the SMD of the long-term follow-up data to Knee Society Score (KSS) used by one study found no clinical benefit of RIMN, based on a minimal clinically important difference of 9 points (MD 2.47, 95% CI -6.18 to 0.74). The effect on QoL was very uncertain at four months (MD 0.01, 95% CI -0.42 to 0.44; 1 study, 14 participants) and one year (MD 0.10, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.21; 1 study, 156 participants); this evidence was very low certainty. For direct adverse events, studies reported reoperation, loss of fixation, superficial and deep infection, haematoma formation and implant loosening. Effects for all events were imprecise with the possibility of benefit or harm for both treatments. We considered reoperation the most clinically relevant. There was very low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in reoperation between the two implants (risk ratio (RR) 1.48, 95% CI 0.55 to 4.00; 1 study, 104 participants). No studies reported pain. For other important outcomes, we noted that people treated with RIMN may be more likely to have varus/valgus deformity (RR 2.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.37; 1 study, 33 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, we found no evidence of any important differences between treatments in terms of bony union, indirect adverse events, or resource use. Other comparisons of surgical interventions included in the review were: RIMN versus single fixed-angle device (3 studies, 175 participants); RIMN versus non-locking plate fixation (1 study, 18 participants); locking plate versus single fixed-angle device (2 studies, 130 participants); internal fixation versus distal femoral replacement (1 study, 23 participants); mono-axial plates versus poly-axial plates (2 studies, 67 participants); mono-axial plate versus condylar buttress plate (1 study, 78 participants). The certainty of the evidence for outcomes in these comparisons was low to very low, and most effect estimates were imprecise.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights the major limitations of the available evidence concerning current treatment interventions for fractures of the distal femur. The currently available evidence is incomplete and insufficient to inform clinical practice. Priority should be given to randomised controlled trials comparing contemporary treatments for people with fractures of the distal femur. At a minimum, these should report validated patient-reported functional and quality-of-life outcomes at one and two years, with an agreed core outcome set. All trials should be reported in full using the CONSORT guidelines.
Topics: Adult; Femur; Fracture Fixation; Fractures, Bone; Humans; Pain; Quality of Life
PubMed: 36197809
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010606.pub3 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022Down's syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder at birth. Multiple developmental abnormalities before birth and early onset of degenerative deficits after birth...
Down's syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic disorder at birth. Multiple developmental abnormalities before birth and early onset of degenerative deficits after birth are features of DS. Early treatment for the manifestations associated with DS in either prenatal or postnatal period may improve clinical outcomes. However, information available from professional bodies and to communities is very limited. We carried out a systematic review and attempted meta-analysis of clinical trials for developmental abnormalities and degenerative deficits in DS. Only 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 995 (24 days to 65 years old) individuals with DS showed some improvement in cognitive disorders, development and growth, and musculoskeletal problem. However, each trial used different parameters and methods to measure various outcomes. RCTs of prenatal interventions in fetus with DS are lacking. The efficacy and safety of specific interventions in DS are still largely unknown. Proper counseling of the potential treatment for pregnant mothers who wish to continue their pregnancy carrying fetus with DS, and to health care professionals who take care of them are not adequate nowadays.
PubMed: 35865169
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.910424 -
European Spine Journal : Official... Oct 2019To understand the typical presentation, risk factors, location and size, treatment, neurological recovery and survival of spontaneous spinal epidural haematomas (SSEH)...
PURPOSE
To understand the typical presentation, risk factors, location and size, treatment, neurological recovery and survival of spontaneous spinal epidural haematomas (SSEH) in children.
METHODS
A systematic review of the English literature from 1 January 1960 to 1 March 2018 was performed on children aged 18 years and younger. Individual patient data were extracted and collated. Outcome measures were mode of presentation, risk factors, initial neurological findings, initial presumed diagnosis, diagnostic investigations, site and size of the SSEH, treatment, neurological recovery and survival.
RESULTS
Thirty-one publications and 36 patients were reviewed. All age groups were affected. 83% of patients did not have a known risk factor. Back pain was reported in 61% and neurological dysfunction in 97% of patients, although not all articles defined these parameters. Initially 28% of patients were suspected of having an alternative diagnosis. All patients had an MRI and/or CT scan confirming the diagnosis. The cervical-thoracic region was most commonly affected, and the average haematoma size extended across 6.3 vertebral levels. Surgical decompression was performed in 72% of patients. Neurological function improved in 83% of patients. Two patients died as a consequence of their SSEH.
CONCLUSIONS
SSEHs affect all paediatric age groups and typically present with neurological dysfunction and/or back pain. The initial diagnosis is incorrect in up to 28% of cases, but cross-sectional spinal imaging is diagnostic. Most SSEHs are located in the cervico-thoracic region and affect multiple spinal levels. The treatment depends on whether the patient has a bleeding disorder and their neurological status. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.
Topics: Anticoagulants; Arteriovenous Malformations; Back Pain; Child; Decompression, Surgical; Hematoma, Epidural, Spinal; Hemophilia A; Hemophilia B; Humans; Laminectomy; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Recovery of Function; Risk Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 30972569
DOI: 10.1007/s00586-019-05975-6 -
World Neurosurgery May 2022Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a widely recognized complication of adult spinal deformity surgery, and various PJK prevention strategies have been reported in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a widely recognized complication of adult spinal deformity surgery, and various PJK prevention strategies have been reported in recent years. The goal of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the PJK prevention strategies, report on their effectiveness, and delineate future directions for investigation regarding PJK prevention.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify studies examining PJK prevention techniques. The titles and abstracts were screened, and those studies progressing to the full text review were screened using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies were organized thematically for analysis.
RESULTS
The search identified a total of 382 studies, 23 of which were included. The overall quality of evidence was level III. The reported PJK prevention strategies included optimization of postoperative sagittal alignment by avoiding over- or undercorrection, prophylactic vertebral cement augmentation, the use of a transverse process hook at upper instrumented vertebra, the use of more flexible rod constructs, novel pedicle screw insertion techniques, the use of junctional tethers, and teriparatide therapy, which seemed to reduce the PJK rates.
CONCLUSIONS
The reports of PJK prevention strategies were heterogeneous, and high-level evidence regarding any particular technique remains limited. Further development of additional PJK prevention techniques and validation of their efficacy in clinical practice are needed to optimize the outcomes of adult spinal deformity surgery.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Kyphosis; Musculoskeletal Abnormalities; Neurosurgical Procedures; Publications; Spine
PubMed: 35202875
DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2022.02.063 -
Hip International : the Journal of... Jul 2021Early diagnosis and early treatment have become the gold standard for management of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Surgery is required in case of failed initial... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Early diagnosis and early treatment have become the gold standard for management of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Surgery is required in case of failed initial treatment. Innominate pelvic osteotomy of Salter (SIO), Pemberton's pericapsular osteotomy (PPO) and Dega's acetabuloplasty (DA) are among the most used procedures.We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past 57 years in order to assess the mid- and long-term outcome of these techniques.
METHODS
Studies met inclusion criteria if they: (1) reported at least 5 cases treated by 1 of the abovementioned surgical techniques; (2) included children aged between 1 and 8 years; (3) surgical indication was late detected DDH or a failed initial treatment; (4) presented a minimal follow-up of 24 months; (5) reported the radiological score of Severin and/or the clinical score of McKay.Clinical and radiological outcomes were dichotomised into favourable and unfavourable outcome and weighted summary rates were determined using meta-analysis models.
RESULTS
From a total of 7391 articles, 48 level of evidence grade IV articles were included in our review. A total of 2143 cases with a mean follow up of 112.4 months were included.Pooled Severin score indicated a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO ( = 0.0003 and = 0.002, respectively). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable outcome, PPO showed the best results ( = 0.0002 vs. SIO, = 0.01 vs. DA).Pooled McKay score showed a statistically better outcome for PPO and DA compared to SIO ( < 0.0001 and = 0.03, respectively) as well as better outcomes for PPO compared to DA ( = 0.01). By dichotomising the results in favourable and unfavourable, PPO showed the best results.
CONCLUSIONS
Even if our review demonstrates slightly better radiological and clinical results with the PPO, the currently available and limited data do not allow for clear recommendation towards one of these techniques.
Topics: Acetabuloplasty; Child; Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip; Follow-Up Studies; Hip Dislocation, Congenital; Humans; Infant; Osteotomy; Radiography; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32678678
DOI: 10.1177/1120700020942866 -
Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal... 2023Recent evidence has suggested that reversal of gray or white matter abnormalities could be a criterion of recovery in patients with chronic pain. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence has suggested that reversal of gray or white matter abnormalities could be a criterion of recovery in patients with chronic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions in reversing gray and white matter abnormalities in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
METHODS
An electronic search was performed in the MEDLINE (Via PubMed), EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PEDro, and CENTRAL databases. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) including patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, which assessed the change in gray and white matter abnormalities after exercise-based interventions were selected. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias II tool.
RESULTS
Four RCTs were included (n= 386). Three studies showed reversal of abnormalities with exercise-based interventions compared to control groups. The reversal was observed in the gray matter volume in the medial orbital prefrontal cortex and in the supplementary motor area of patients with osteoarthritis, in the hippocampus, insula, amygdala and thalamus in fibromyalgia patients. Furthermore, in patients with chronic spinal pain, reversal was observed in the gray matter thickness of the frontal middle caudal cortex and in the caudate, putamen and thalamus gray matter volume.
CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to determine the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions for reversing gray and white matter abnormalities in patients with chronic pain. Further studies are still needed in this field.
Topics: Humans; Chronic Pain; Musculoskeletal Pain; White Matter; Fibromyalgia; Osteoarthritis
PubMed: 37092215
DOI: 10.3233/BMR-220349