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Frontiers in Neuroscience 2024Previous neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS). However, the results are divergent...
BACKGROUND
Previous neuroimaging studies have revealed structural and functional brain abnormalities in patients with cervical spondylosis (CS). However, the results are divergent and inconsistent. Therefore, the present study conducted a multi-modal meta-analysis to investigate the consistent structural and functional brain alterations in CS patients.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five databases to retrieve relevant resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), structural MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies that measured brain functional and structural differences between CS patients and healthy controls (HCs). Separate and multimodal meta-analyses were implemented, respectively, by employing Anisotropic Effect-size Signed Differential Mapping software.
RESULTS
13 rs-fMRI studies that used regional homogeneity, amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and fractional ALFF, seven voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies and one DTI study were finally included in the present research. However, no studies on surface-based morphometry (SBM) analysis were included in this research. Due to the insufficient number of SBM and DTI studies, only rs-fMRI and VBM meta-analyses were conducted. The results of rs-fMRI meta-analysis showed that compared to HCs, CS patients demonstrated decreased regional spontaneous brain activities in the right lingual gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left inferior parietal gyrus and right postcentral gyrus (PoCG), while increased activities in the right medial superior frontal gyrus, bilateral middle frontal gyrus and right precuneus. VBM meta-analysis detected increased GMV in the right superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right paracentral lobule (PCL), while decreased GMV in the left supplementary motor area and left MTG in CS patients. The multi-modal meta-analysis revealed increased GMV together with decreased regional spontaneous brain activity in the left PoCG, right STG and PCL among CS patients.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis revealed that compared to HCs, CS patients had significant alterations in GMV and regional spontaneous brain activity. The altered brain regions mainly included the primary visual cortex, the default mode network and the sensorimotor area, which may be associated with CS patients' symptoms of sensory deficits, blurred vision, cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. The findings may contribute to understanding the underlying pathophysiology of brain dysfunction and provide references for early diagnosis and treatment of CS.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42022370967.
PubMed: 38948928
DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1415411 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Jul 2024Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
AIMS
Proximal humeral fractures are the third most common fracture among the elderly. Complications associated with fixation include screw perforation, varus collapse, and avascular necrosis of the humeral head. To address these challenges, various augmentation techniques to increase medial column support have been developed. There are currently no recent studies that definitively establish the superiority of augmented fixation over non-augmented implants in the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or bone-graft augmentation versus those who underwent locking-plate fixation without augmentation for proximal humeral fractures.
METHODS
The search was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Articles involving patients with complex proximal humeral fractures treated using open reduction with locking-plate fixation, with or without augmentation, were considered. A meta-analysis of comparative studies comparing locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation or with bone-graft augmentation versus locking-plate fixation without augmentation was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 19 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and six comparative studies were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, 120 patients received locking-plate fixation with bone-graft augmentation, 179 patients received locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation, and 336 patients received locking-plate fixation without augmentation. No statistically relevant differences between the augmented and non-augmented cohorts were found in terms of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score and Constant-Murley Score. The cement-augmented group had a significantly lower rate of complications compared to the non-augmented group.
CONCLUSION
While locking-plate fixation with cement augmentation appears to produce a lower complication rate compared to locking-plate fixation alone, functional outcomes seem comparable between augmented and non-augmented techniques.
Topics: Humans; Bone Plates; Shoulder Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Bone Cements; Bone Transplantation; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38945543
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.106B7.BJJ-2023-1113.R1 -
BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine 2024The purpose of this study was to review the current literature regarding the non-operative treatment of isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to review the current literature regarding the non-operative treatment of isolated medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries.
DESIGN
Systematic review, registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/E9CP4).
DATA SOURCES
The Embase, MEDLINE and PEDro databases were searched; last search was performed on December 2023.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Peer-reviewed original reports from studies that included information about individuals who sustained an isolated MCL injury with non-surgical treatment as an intervention, or reports comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment were eligible for inclusion. Included reports were synthesised qualitatively. Risk of bias was assessed with the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies. Certainty of evidence was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation.
RESULTS
A total of 26 reports (1912 patients) were included, of which 18 were published before the year 2000 and 8 after. No differences in non-operative treatment were reported between grade I and II injuries, where immediate weight bearing and ambulation were tolerated, and rehabilitation comprised different types of strengthening exercises with poorly reported details. Some reports used immobilisation with a brace as a treatment method, while others did not use any equipment. The use of a brace and duration of use was inconsistently reported.
CONCLUSION
There is substantial heterogeneity and lack of detail regarding the non-operative treatment of isolated MCL injuries. This should prompt researchers and clinicians to produce high-quality evidence studies on the promising non-operative treatment of isolated MCL injuries to aid in decision-making and guide rehabilitation after MCL injury.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I, systematic review.
PubMed: 38933372
DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001750 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This study delves into the cutting-edge field of deep learning techniques, particularly deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), which have demonstrated unprecedented... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
This study delves into the cutting-edge field of deep learning techniques, particularly deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs), which have demonstrated unprecedented potential in assisting radiologists and orthopedic surgeons in precisely identifying meniscal tears. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of deep learning models in recognizing, localizing, describing, and categorizing meniscal tears in magnetic resonance images (MRIs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This systematic review was rigorously conducted, strictly following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Extensive searches were conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. All identified articles underwent a comprehensive risk of bias analysis. Predictive performance values were either extracted or calculated for quantitative analysis, including sensitivity and specificity. The meta-analysis was performed for all prediction models that identified the presence and location of meniscus tears.
RESULTS
This study's findings underscore that a range of deep learning models exhibit robust performance in detecting and classifying meniscal tears, in one case surpassing the expertise of musculoskeletal radiologists. Most studies in this review concentrated on identifying tears in the medial or lateral meniscus and even precisely locating tears-whether in the anterior or posterior horn-with exceptional accuracy, as demonstrated by AUC values ranging from 0.83 to 0.94.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on these findings, deep learning models have showcased significant potential in analyzing knee MR images by learning intricate details within images. They offer precise outcomes across diverse tasks, including segmenting specific anatomical structures and identifying pathological regions. Contributions: This study focused exclusively on DL models for identifying and localizing meniscus tears. It presents a meta-analysis that includes eight studies for detecting the presence of a torn meniscus and a meta-analysis of three studies with low heterogeneity that localize and classify the menisci. Another novelty is the analysis of arthroscopic surgery as ground truth. The quality of the studies was assessed against the CLAIM checklist, and the risk of bias was determined using the QUADAS-2 tool.
PubMed: 38893617
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14111090 -
Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics Jul 2024to provide a comprehensive overview of all the surgical techniques published in the literature for repairing meniscal ramp lesions focusing on the technical aspects and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
to provide a comprehensive overview of all the surgical techniques published in the literature for repairing meniscal ramp lesions focusing on the technical aspects and the pros and cons of every procedure. Such lesions can be managed using various approaches, each of this with its specific advantages and disadvantages.
METHODS
Pubmed Central, Scopus, and EMBASE databases were systematically reviewed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for studies on surgical techniques for repairing meniscal ramp lesions through May 2023. Overall, 32 articles matched the selection criteria and were included in the study.
RESULTS
Debridement alone may be sufficient for small stable meniscal ramp lesions but, for tears in the menisco-capsular junction that affect the stability of the medial meniscus, it seems reasonable to repair it, even though the clinical results available in literature are contrasting. All-inside sutures through anterior portals seems to be an effective solution for meniscal ramp lesions with MTL tears. All-inside sutures through posteromedial portals are particularly useful for large meniscal ramp lesions, in which an inside-out suture can also be performed.
CONCLUSION
Meniscal ramp lesions can be managed using various approaches, each of this with its specific advantages and disadvantages. Further research is required to determine the optimal technique that can be considered as the gold standard and can provide the better results.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, systematic review.
PubMed: 38887657
DOI: 10.1002/jeo2.12037 -
AJNR. American Journal of Neuroradiology Jun 2024Antibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) constitute a common form of autoimmune encephalitis. On MR imaging, it may show T2 FLAIR...
BACKGROUND
Antibodies against leucine-rich glioma inactivated protein 1 (LGI1) constitute a common form of autoimmune encephalitis. On MR imaging, it may show T2 FLAIR hyperintensities of the medial temporal lobe (T2 FLAIR-MTL), involve the basal ganglia, or be unremarkable.
PURPOSE
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to obtain prevalence estimates of abnormal findings on MR imaging in anti-LGI1 encephalitis. A human brain map of the microarray gene expression was derived from the Allen Human Brain Atlas.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed and Web of Science were searched with the terms "LGI1" and "encephalitis" from inception to April 7, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Thirty-one research publications, encompassing case series and retrospective cohort and case-control studies, with >10 patients with anti-LGI1 encephalitis and MR imaging data were included.
DATA ANALYSIS
Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated using Freeman-Tukey double-arcsine transformation. Meta-analysis used DerSimonian and Laird random effects models.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Of 1318 patients in 30 studies, T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in 54% (95% CI, 0.48-0.60; I = 76%). Of 394 patients in 13 studies, 27% showed bilateral (95% CI, 0.19-0.36; I = 71%) and 24% unilateral T2 FLAIR-MTL abnormalities (95% CI, 0.17-0.32; I = 61%). Of 612 patients in 15 studies, basal ganglia abnormalities were present in 10% (95% CI, 0.06-0.15; I = 67%). expression was highest in the amygdala, hippocampus, and caudate nucleus.
LIMITATIONS
Only part of the spectrum of MR imaging abnormalities in anti-LGI1 encephalitis could be included in a meta-analysis. MR imaging findings were not the main outcomes in most studies, limiting available information. I values ranged from 62% to 76%, representing moderate-to-large heterogeneity.
CONCLUSIONS
T2 FLAIR-MTL hyperintensities were present in around one-half of patients with anti-LGI1. The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral presentations was similar, suggesting unilaterality should raise the suspicion of this disease in the appropriate clinical context. Around 10% of patients showed basal ganglia abnormalities, indicating that special attention should be given to this region. regional expression coincided with the most frequently reported abnormal findings on MR imaging. Regional specificity might be partially determined by expression levels of the target protein.
PubMed: 38871367
DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.A8256 -
Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine Jun 2024While the biomechanical properties of the native medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) have been well studied, there is no comprehensive summary of the biomechanics of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
While the biomechanical properties of the native medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) have been well studied, there is no comprehensive summary of the biomechanics of MPFL reconstruction (MPFLR). An accurate understanding of the kinematic properties and functional behavior of current techniques used in MPFLR is imperative to restoring native biomechanics and improving outcomes.
PURPOSE
To provide a comprehensive review of the biomechanical effects of variations in MPFLR, specifically to determine the effect of graft choice and reconstruction technique.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 32 studies met inclusion criteria: (1) using ≥8 human cadaveric specimens, (2) reporting on a component of MPFLR, and (3) having multiple comparison groups.
RESULTS
Gracilis, semitendinosus, and quadriceps grafts demonstrated an ultimate load to failure (N) of 206.2, 102.8, and 190.0 to 205.0 and stiffness (N/mm) of 20.4, 8.5, and 21.4 to 33.6, respectively. Single-bundle and double-bundle techniques produced an ultimate load to failure (N) of 171 and 213 and stiffness (N/mm) of 13.9 and 17.1, respectively. Anchors placed centrally and superomedially in the patella produced the smallest degree of length changes throughout range of motion in contrast to anchors placed more proximally. Sutures, suture anchors, and transosseous tunnels all produced similar ultimate load to failure, stiffness, and elongation data. Femoral tunnel malpositioning resulted in significant increases in contact pressures, patellar translation, tilt, and graft tightening or loosening. Low tension grafts (2 N) most closely restored the patellofemoral contact pressures, translation, and tilt. Graft fixation angles variably and inconsistently altered contact pressures, and patellar translation and tilt.
CONCLUSION
Data demonstrated that placement of the MPFLR femoral tunnel at the Schöttle point is critical to success. Femoral tunnel diameter should be ≥2 mm greater than graft diameter to limit graft advancement and overtensioning. Graft fixation, regardless of graft choice or fixation angle, is optimally performed under minimal tension with patellar fixation at the medial and superomedial patella. However, lower fixation angles may reduce graft strain, and higher fixation angles may exacerbate anisometry and length changes if femoral tunnel placement is nonanatomic.
PubMed: 38855071
DOI: 10.1177/23259671241241537 -
Journal of Hand and Microsurgery Mar 2024Recalcitrant clavicular nonunion is an uncommon but challenging problem. Vascularized bone reconstruction is not first-line therapy due to complexity and donor... (Review)
Review
Recalcitrant clavicular nonunion is an uncommon but challenging problem. Vascularized bone reconstruction is not first-line therapy due to complexity and donor morbidity, though it has utility in select cases. A systematic review of Embase and Medline databases was undertaken for cases of medial femoral condyle reconstruction for clavicle nonunion. Ten studies met inclusion, encompassing 26 patients. Mean age was 38.9 years. Ten patients were male and 16 female. Mean time of nonunion was 37.79 months prior to intervention; mean time to union following medial femoral condyle flap was 7.60 months. Two patients did not achieve union. Of the 11 patients who previously had at least one failed fixation with bone graft, considered the current "gold standard", 9 patients (81.81%) went on to achieve union, while 2 patients (18.19%) did not. There were six reported complications in five patients. Medial femoral condyle flap is a valuable option in recalcitrant clavicle nonunion.
PubMed: 38854380
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1760767 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Jun 2024To evaluate outcomes and complications of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFLR), tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), and trochleoplasty for management of patellar... (Review)
Review
Isolated Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction Results in Lower Failure and Complication Rates than Isolated Trochleoplasty and Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A Systematic Review.
PURPOSE
To evaluate outcomes and complications of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFLR), tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), and trochleoplasty for management of patellar instability.
METHODS
A query of Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane CENTRAL Register of Controlled Trials, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed in accordance with 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Included studies reported clinical outcome data after isolated MPFLR, TTO, or trochleoplasty for patellar instability with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. Meta-analysis and data aggregation was not performed.
RESULTS
Thirty-six studies (5 trochleoplasty, 14 TTO, and 18 MPFLR) consisting of 1,389 patients (114 trochleoplasty, 374 TTO, and 1,001 MPFLR) were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score which ranged from 11-12 in trochleoplasty, 10-18 in TTO, and 8-18 in MPFLR studies. Patient reported outcome measures including Lysholm Score (trochleoplasty: 51.1-71 to 71-95y; TTO: 57-63.3 to 84-98; MPFLR: 37.4-59.1 to 74-92.5), Kujala Score (trochleoplasty: 56-71 to 78-92; TTO: 48.6-68 to 78-92; MPFLR: 53.3-60 to 81.5-92), VAS Pain Scale (trochleoplasty: 52 to 25; TTO: 54-76 to 14-27; MPFLR: 29 to 17, out of 100), and Tegner Score (TTO: 3-4 to 3-4; MPFLR: 2.5-6 to 4.9-5) improved after all surgeries. Failure rates ranged from 0-33.3% after MPFLR, 0-30.8% after TTO, and 5.3-40% after trochleoplasty. Complication rates ranged from 0-14.7% after MPFLR, 1.6-58.3% after TTO, and 8-26.3% after trochleoplasty.
CONCLUSIONS
Isolated MPFLR, TTO, or trochleoplasty may be effective treatment options for patellar stabilization. While failure rates were highest after isolated trochleoplasty and complication rates were highest after TTO, these procedures are not interchangeable as each addresses a specific pathology.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IV; Systematic Review of Level II-IV studies.
PubMed: 38844012
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.05.019 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jul 2024This systematic review investigates the impact of meditation on neural responses to pain, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Up to March 2024,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This systematic review investigates the impact of meditation on neural responses to pain, as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Up to March 2024, we conducted searches across four databases for human studies implementing fMRI to assess the efficacy of meditation for pain relief. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Our systematic review indicates that activation of the insula, anterior cingulate cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex is positively associated with meditation for pain relief, while activity in regions like the amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex is negatively correlated with pain relief. Meta-analyses consistently reveal the involvement of various brain regions, including the insula, putamen, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, inferior parietal lobule, superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, and caudate nucleus, in meditation-induced alleviation of pain. These findings suggest ccthat meditation acts on specific brain regions related to pain, mood, and cognition, providing insight into the potential mechanisms underlying the pain-alleviating effects of meditation on both pain sensations and emotional experiences.
Topics: Humans; Meditation; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pain Management; Pain; Brain
PubMed: 38821153
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105735