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Journal of Personalized Medicine Jul 2023Septic arthritis (SA) in children is an acute inflammatory disease of the joints. If not treated promptly, it could become a surgical emergency. The incidence of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Septic arthritis (SA) in children is an acute inflammatory disease of the joints. If not treated promptly, it could become a surgical emergency. The incidence of the disease in children in Europe is approximately 2-7 per 100,000 children. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate which of these treatments-arthrocentesis, arthrotomy, and arthroscopy-provides better results in children and when to use them.
METHODS
Three independent authors conducted a systematic review of PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE databases to assess studies with any level of evidence that reported the surgical outcome of SA. Two senior investigators evaluated and approved each stage's findings.
RESULTS
A total of 488 articles were found. After screening, we chose 24 articles that were suitable for full-text reading based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results of our analysis showed that there are no numerically significant differences reported in the literature on clinical and radiographic outcomes by surgical technique.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed an algorithm that could be used if septic arthritis is suspected. Based on our results, the surgical technique to be used will depend on the operator who will perform it.
PubMed: 37511710
DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071097 -
Zeitschrift Fur Rheumatologie Apr 2024The German Society for Rheumatology, through its campaign Rheuma2025, aims to improve student teaching in order to ensure patient care for rheumatological patients in...
BACKGROUND
The German Society for Rheumatology, through its campaign Rheuma2025, aims to improve student teaching in order to ensure patient care for rheumatological patients in the future.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether a combination of traditional and innovative educational methods provide both an improvement in the quality of teaching and an increase in the attractiveness of rheumatology as a discipline.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Establishment of the teaching concept "Rheuma (be-)greifen" consisting of five modules on patient history taking with acting patients, musculoskeletal ultrasound, arthrocentesis, 3D printing of pathological joints and virtual reality applications based on real patient cases in the curricular teaching of medical students.
RESULTS
The evaluation of the teaching concept with 93 students of medicine showed a consistently high acceptance of all modules, which were rated as very effective or rather effective. Direct patient-related modules, such as history taking with acting patients, musculoskeletal ultrasound and arthrocentesis, received even higher acceptance than the visualization methods utilizing 3D printing and virtual reality.
CONCLUSION
Innovative teaching methods can help to improve the acceptance of teaching in the field of rheumatology, especially when combined with classical teaching contents.
Topics: Humans; Students, Medical; Rheumatology; Ultrasonography; Teaching
PubMed: 37505294
DOI: 10.1007/s00393-023-01391-w -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Aug 2023This is the first report of subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh as a complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE OF THE CASE
This is the first report of subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh as a complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
PRESENTATION OF CASE
A 78-year-old female patient with valgus knee arthropathy underwent TKA. Two days postoperatively, the patient experienced left thigh swelling and pain, and subcutaneous emphysema was detected upon palpation. Although the skin tone was comparable to the other side, the left thigh was tender and firm. The surgical wound did not exhibit erythema. Computed tomography imaging revealed emphysema in the subcutaneous and intermuscular regions of the left thigh. Gram stain and culture tests from arthrocentesis were negative, and blood culture results were also negative. As there was no fever or disturbance of consciousness, and the LRINEC score was 1, supportive care was provided to the patient. At 5 days postoperatively, there was an observable improvement in the emphysema, and by day 9 postoperatively, the emphysema had fully resolved.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
There is a lack of documented cases reporting extensive subcutaneous emphysema of the thigh following TKA, suggesting it to be an exceedingly rare complication. In this case, we conducted a thorough investigation to assess the potential association of infection. Subsequently, the symptoms were successfully alleviated with supportive care without antibiotics.
CONCLUSION
The occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema in the thigh was identified as a postoperative complication following TKA. Blood tests, culture tests and LRINEC score can be valuable tools for differentiation.
PubMed: 37453324
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2023.108466 -
Journal of the American Academy of... Jan 2023Differentiating septic arthritis from aseptic arthritis (AA) of the knee is difficult without arthrocentesis. Although procalcitonin (PCT) has shown diagnostic value in...
INTRODUCTION
Differentiating septic arthritis from aseptic arthritis (AA) of the knee is difficult without arthrocentesis. Although procalcitonin (PCT) has shown diagnostic value in identifying bacterial infections, it has not been established as a reliable marker for identifying septic arthritis (SA). Recent studies have shown promise in the use of PCT as a useful systemic marker for identifying septic arthritis versus AA. This observational retrospective review compares PCT with routine inflammatory markers as a tool for differentiating septic arthritis versus AA in patients with acute, atraumatic knee pain.
METHODS
Fifty-three consecutive patients (24 SA, 29 AA) were retrospectively reviewed at one institution with concern for SA. SA was diagnosed based on a physical examination, laboratory markers, and arthrocentesis. Laboratory indices were compared between the septic arthritis and AA groups. Data analysis was conducted to define sensitivity and specificity. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and regression were conducted to determine the best marker for acute SA of the knee.
RESULTS
Using multiple logistic regression, bacteremia (OR 6.75 ± 5.75) was determined to be the greatest predictor of SA. On linear regression, concomitant bacteremia (coef 3.07 ± 0.87), SA (coef 2.18 ± 0.70), and the presence of pseudogout crystals (coef 1.80 ± 0.83) on microscopy predicted an increase in PCT. Using a PCT cutoff of 0.25 ng/mL yields a sensitivity of 91.7% and specificity of 55.2% for predicting SA; however, the ideal cutoff in our series was 0.32 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 79.2% and specificity of 72.4%. PCT was superior to the white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein in the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis.
DISCUSSION
Procalcitonin seems to be the most sensitive and specific systemic marker in differentiating septic from AA.
Topics: Humans; Procalcitonin; Retrospective Studies; Calcitonin; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide; Protein Precursors; Arthritis, Infectious; Bacteremia
PubMed: 37450766
DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-22-00261 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jun 2023Temporomandibular joint disorders are a heterogenic group of clinical conditions, which impair physiological functioning of the masticatory system. Arthrocentesis of the... (Review)
Review
Temporomandibular joint disorders are a heterogenic group of clinical conditions, which impair physiological functioning of the masticatory system. Arthrocentesis of the temporomandibular joint has become a widely approved method for non-invasive treatment, bridging the gap between conservative and surgical approaches. Regardless of technique, treatment is based upon joint lavage and lysis of the inflammatory fibrous tissue adhesions, which, in turn, improves joint mobility and reduces pain and closed lock. Recently, approaches for intra-articular injections have been proposed as adjuvant or replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the most efficient technique of arthrocentesis. A systematic search based on PRISMA guidelines, including a computer search with specific keywords, a reference list search and a manual search, was performed. Relevant articles were selected after three search rounds for final review. The studies pulled for the analysis presented information about the relevant predictors, including the technique of arthrocentesis (single- or two-needle method), fluid used for lavage (Ringer lactate or saline), volume of the fluid, application of the injectable, number of interventions, pain (VAS) and mouth opening scores (MMO) and follow-up. All cohorts showed improvement in mouth opening, but significant pain reduction was observed only in cohorts treated either by arthrocentesis alone or arthrocentesis followed by intra-articular injectables. Intra-articular injectables used alone failed to reduce pain post-operatively when compared to other cohorts. We concluded that both double-needle and single-puncture arthrocentesis techniques are equally efficient. Application of the adjuvant injectable did not improve the outcomes of arthrocentesis performed alone. The volume of the fluid used for joint lavage and its chemical composition were not significant in clinical outcomes. However, due to the lack of homogeneity in the study settings, a meta-analysis could not be applied and a systematic review was conducted. We still, however, state that there is a knowledge gap in the current literature regarding the use of injectables alone, as well as a longitudinal follow-up, which provides information about treatment efficiency. More high-quality and randomized controlled trials are required to shed light on this subject.
PubMed: 37445474
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134439 -
Current Therapeutic Research, Clinical... 2023Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms can vary over time, leading to episodes of worsened symptoms known as flares. Intra-articular...
Three Weekly Intra-Articular Injections of Hylan G-F 20 vs Arthrocentesis in Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter, Evaluator- and Patient-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Symptoms can vary over time, leading to episodes of worsened symptoms known as flares. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid has demonstrated long-term symptomatic relief in the broader knee osteoarthritis population, although its use in the flare population has not been extensively examined.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of 3 once-weekly intra-articular injections of hylan G-F 20 (as single and repeat courses) in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis, including a subpopulation that experienced flare.
METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled, evaluator- and patient-blinded, multicenter trial with 2 phases: hylan G-F 20 vs arthrocentesis only (control) and 2 courses vs single-course hylan G-F 20. Primary outcomes were visual analog scale (0-100 mm) pain scores. Secondary outcomes included safety and synovial fluid analysis.
RESULTS
Ninety-four patients (104 knees) were enrolled in Phase I, with 31 knees representing flare patients. Seventy-six patients (82 knees) were enrolled in Phase II. Long-term follow-up was 26 to 34 weeks. In flare patients, hylan G-F 20 showed significantly more improvement than the controls for all primary outcomes except pain at night ( = 0.063). Both 1 and 2 courses of hylan G-F 20 showed significant improvements from baseline for primary outcomes with no differences in efficacy between groups in the intention-to-treat population at the end of Phase II. Two courses of hylan G-F 20 showed better improvement in pain with motion ( = 0.0471) at long-term follow-up. No general side effects were reported, and local reactions (pain/swelling of the injected joint) resolved within 1 to 2 weeks. Hylan G-F 20 was also associated with reduced effusion volume and protein concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
Hylan G-F 20 significantly improves pain scores vs arthrocentesis in flare patients with no safety concerns. A repeat course of hylan G-F 20 was found to be well tolerated and efficacious.
PubMed: 37408828
DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2023.100707