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Current Pain and Headache Reports Apr 2024Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a degenerative joint disease which can result in chronic pain and disability. The current interventions available for KOA often fail to provide long-lasting effects, highlighting the need for new treatment options that can offer durable benefits. Previous studies have suggested the efficacy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) with its durability remaining uncertain. In this review, we aimed to investigate the durability of the efficacy after completion of treatment.
RECENT FINDINGS
We performed thorough searches of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to November 4, 2023. The outcomes were assessed at all available time points after completion of treatment. Primary outcomes were changes from baseline in pain and function measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function subscales. Secondary outcomes included response rate, overall pain, the WOMAC stiffness subscale, total WOMAC index, and physical and mental health components of 12/36-item Short-Form Health Survey. A total of 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3221 participants were included. Pooled estimates suggested that acupuncture may offer potential improvements in function and overall pain for 4.5 months post-treatment versus sham acupuncture (SA). Acupuncture may provide durable clinically important pain relief and functional improvement up to 5 months post-treatment versus usual care, and up to 6 months post-treatment versus diclofenac. For acupuncture versus no treatment, one trial with large sample size indicated that improvements in pain and function persisted for 3 months post-treatment, while the other trial reported that significant pain reduction and functional improvement were only observed at the end of the treatment, not at 9 months post-treatment. However, acupuncture as adjunct to exercise-based physical therapy (EPT) showed no superiority to SA as an adjunct to EPT or EPT alone up to 11.25 months after completion of treatment. Acupuncture may provide pain alleviation and functional improvements in KOA patients for 3 to 6 months after completion of treatment with a good safety profile.
PubMed: 38635021
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01242-6 -
Journal of Orthopaedics Aug 2024Varus deformity is common in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). This coronal plane malalignment is compensated for by static and dynamic adjustments in the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Varus deformity is common in medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). This coronal plane malalignment is compensated for by static and dynamic adjustments in the position of the adjacent joints, principally in the hindfoot & ankle. Varus knee OA can be treated in selected patients with high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and stabilised with a fixed angle plate or circular frame, which may reverse these compensatory adjustments. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the evidence available for static and dynamic compensations with the main objectives being to improve deformity planning and optimise patient outcomes.
METHOD
A systematic review with meta-analysis was designed using the PRISMA template to meet the research aims & objectives.
RESULTS
A total of 1006 patients (1020 knees) with acombined mean age of 54.5 years, female:male ratio of 0.9:1 were extracted from 19 included studies. The methodologies of the majority of studies were at high risk of bias according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale demonstrating significant heterogeneity. The combined mean change in the HKA axis was 7.7°; MPTA 7.4°; TT, 0.21°; TI 4.56° & AJLO 4° . Preoperative hindfoot valgus compensation reverts towards neutral post-HTO. There is limited evidence available for a direct relationship between static alignment and dynamic gait parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
An inverse relationship between ankle and hindfoot alignment in varus deformity of the knee forms the basis of this compensation theory. In cases with a stiff hindfoot which may not revert postoperatively, the reconstructive orthopaedic surgeon may consider angulation with translation HTO, in order to optimise joint alignment and minimise transference of symptoms to the foot and ankle.
PubMed: 38586600
DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2024.02.022 -
Phytotherapy Research : PTR Jun 2024Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases. Several meta-analyses have shown that curcumin could improve the function of the knee and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases. Several meta-analyses have shown that curcumin could improve the function of the knee and alleviate pain in OA, while some meta-analyses demonstrate controversial results. Hence, we assessed curcumin's effects on knee OA in an umbrella meta-analysis. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were employed to find English-language meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of curcumin supplementation on OA outcomes up to September 2023. The visual analog scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, function, and stiffness scales were analyzed. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were utilized to obtain the overall effect size. A random-effects model was applied to perform the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was determined by I statistics and the Cochrane Q-test. The pooled effect of the 11 included meta-analyses showed that curcumin could significantly decrease the VAS score (weighted mean difference [WMD] and standardized mean difference [SMD]), WOMAC-total (SMD and WMD), WOMAC-Function (SMD and WMD), WOMAC-Pain (SMD), and WOMAC-Stiffness scores (SMD) (p ≤ 0.001, ≤0.001, ≤0.001, 0.007, ≤0.001, 0.002, ≤0.001, ≤0.001, respectively). The results strongly support curcuminoid supplementation in relieving pain, improving joint mobility and stiffness, and shortening medication usage of OA patients.
Topics: Curcumin; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Pain Measurement; Osteoarthritis
PubMed: 38576215
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8153 -
JBJS Reviews Apr 2024Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly identified as a predictor of poorer outcomes in musculoskeletal disease affecting as many as 1 in 4 people. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Vitamin D Deficiency Leads to Poorer Health Outcomes and Greater Length of Stay After Total Knee Arthroplasty and Supplementation Improves Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
BACKGROUND
Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly identified as a predictor of poorer outcomes in musculoskeletal disease affecting as many as 1 in 4 people. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on outcomes after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
METHODS
A targeted search of terms related to vitamin D and TKA outcomes was performed in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and British Orthopaedic Association databases. The results were analyzed using forest plots with I2 heterogeneity statistics and pooled effects with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and p values. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS
A total of 146,054 patients with 150,107 TKRs were analyzed in 10 studies that complied with the inclusion criteria, of which 3 were suitable for meta-analysis. Of these, 4 of the 10 studies showed that vitamin D deficiency resulted in poorer functional outcome scores (Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Knee Society Scoring System, and American Knee Society scores), as well as increased risk of revision surgery, incidence of joint infection, and postoperative stiffness. Meta-analysis of length of hospital stay (LOS) demonstrated a significant increase in LOS in patients with vitamin D deficiency (standardized mean difference, -0.54, 95% CI, -0.69 to -0.38, p < 0.00001). Furthermore, outcomes were improved with vitamin D supplementation in 6 of 10 studies.
CONCLUSION
Vitamin D deficiency results in poorer outcomes of primary TKA, with improved outcomes after supplementation. Further studies should examine the role of preoperative vitamin D screening and/or perioperative supplementation in primary TKA and standardize outcome measures to assess their effect.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level I/II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Humans; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Dietary Supplements; Length of Stay; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency
PubMed: 38574186
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.23.00150 -
Ultrasonography (Seoul, Korea) May 2024Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique for peripheral nerve evaluation. Shear wave velocity (SWV), a surrogate measure of...
Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique for peripheral nerve evaluation. Shear wave velocity (SWV), a surrogate measure of stiffness, holds promise as a biomarker for various peripheral nerve disorders. However, to maximize its clinical and biomechanical value, it is important to fully understand the factors that influence nerve SWV measurements. This systematic review aimed to identify the normal range of SWV for healthy sciatic and tibial nerves and to reveal the factors potentially affecting nerve SWV. An electronic search yielded 17 studies eligible for inclusion, involving 548 healthy individuals (age range, 17 to 72 years). Despite very good reliability metrics, the reported SWV values differed considerably across studies for the sciatic (1.9-9.9 m/s) and tibial (2.3-9.1 m/s) nerves. Factors such as measurement proximity to joint regions, limb postures inducing nerve axial stretching, and transducer alignment with nerve fiber orientation were associated with increased SWV. These findings suggest regional-specific nerve mechanical properties, non-linear elastic behaviour, and marked mechanical anisotropy. The impact of age and sex remains unclear and warrants further investigation. These results emphasize the importance of considering these factors when assessing and interpreting nerve SWE. While increased SWV has been linked to pathological changes affecting nerve tissue mechanics, the significant variability observed in healthy nerves highlights the need for standardized SWE assessment protocols. Developing guidelines for enhanced clinical utility and achieving a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence nerve SWE assessments are critical in advancing the field.
PubMed: 38544459
DOI: 10.14366/usg.23211 -
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports... Jul 2024To investigate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation programs compared with nonexercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand osteoarthritis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To investigate the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation programs compared with nonexercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand osteoarthritis (OA). Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. We searched 5 databases on July 23, 2023. We included randomized controlled trials that compared the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that included an exercise component, with nonexercise intervention or no intervention for people with hand OA. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using a random-effects model. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Fourteen trials were included in the meta-analysis (n = 1341 participants). In the immediate term (<24 weeks), there was low-certainty evidence of an effect of exercise-based rehabilitation on improving pain (13 trials; SMD = -0.65; 95% CI: -1.06, -0.25), function (11 trials; SMD = -0.35; 95% CI: -0.54, -0.15), and grip strength (14 trials; SMD = 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.38). There was moderate-certainty evidence of an effect on reducing stiffness (7 trials; SMD = -0.33; 95% CI: -0.51, -0.16). There was low-certainty evidence of no effect on improving pinch strength and quality of life. For the long term (≥24 weeks), there was low-certainty evidence that exercise-based rehabilitation had no additional effect on improving pain, function, and stiffness. Exercise-based rehabilitation improved pain, function, stiffness, and grip strength in people with hand OA in the immediate term; the benefits were not maintained in the long term. .
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis; Exercise Therapy; Hand Strength; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Hand Joints
PubMed: 38506711
DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2024.12241 -
Musculoskeletal Science & Practice Jun 2024Objective of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on muscle function of the knee, pain and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Effects of physical exercise on muscle function of the knee, pain and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta-analysis.
Objective of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on muscle function of the knee, pain and quality of life in postmenopausal women with knee osteoarthritis (OA). An electronic search was conducted of the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS and PEDro databases for relevant articles published up to September 2023. Only randomized clinical trials with interventions involving physical exercise of any modality in postmenopausal women with knee OA were included. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and the Cochrane Recommendations. Methodological quality of the studies selected was assessed using the PEDro scale and the evidence was synthesized using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation scale. Among the 169 articles identified, five were included in the present systematic review and enabled meta-analysis of the outcomes physical function, pain and stiffness. The findings demonstrated the effectiveness of physical exercise in improving physical function, assessed through the Six-Minute Walk Test and the WOMAC scale's physical function domain, compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in pain or stiffness outcomes between the treatment and control groups. Unfortunately, insufficient data precluded a meta-analysis for knee muscle function and quality of life outcomes. Despite the potential of physical exercise to enhance physical function in postmenopausal women with knee OA, the study highlights a lack of standardization in assessment tools and tests, limiting the feasibility of meta-analysis. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42022316476.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Female; Quality of Life; Postmenopause; Middle Aged; Exercise Therapy; Aged; Exercise; Knee Joint
PubMed: 38489855
DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2024.102929 -
Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology,... May 2024Surgeons generally consider the donor age as a factor that negatively influences the quality of allograft used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction,...
PURPOSE
Surgeons generally consider the donor age as a factor that negatively influences the quality of allograft used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, however, the available evidence does not clearly support this statement. The purpose of the study was to investigate if donor age influences the biomechanical properties of allografts used in ACL reconstruction.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was conducted for all relevant articles using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Studies including the analysis of the correlation between biomechanical properties of the allografts and donor age were selected. The role of donor age was labelled as 'none' if absent, 'higher' or 'lower' if the properties were higher or lower in older specimens with respect to younger. The correlation was defined as 'weak' or 'strong' according to each study definition.
RESULTS
No conflicting role of donor age was reported for modulus of elasticity, load to failure, strain, stiffness and displacement. The only parameters where the significant results were consistent were the tensile strength and the stress (low or moderate correlations). When considering the tested samples with a donor's age <65 years, a significant role of age was reported in only four out of 13 groups of graft tested (patellar tendon, fascia lata, anterior tibialis tendon and posterior tibialis tendon).
CONCLUSION
The current literature did not allow to state that the donor age negatively influences the biomechanical properties of allografts, making it impossible to identify a clear age cut-off value to exclude them from ACL reconstruction procedures.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level IV, systematic review.
Topics: Humans; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction; Biomechanical Phenomena; Allografts; Age Factors; Tissue Donors; Tensile Strength; Middle Aged; Anterior Cruciate Ligament
PubMed: 38488223
DOI: 10.1002/ksa.12113 -
Current Pain and Headache Reports May 2024To evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy in managing sacroiliac joint pain utilizing a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency neurotomy in managing sacroiliac joint pain utilizing a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies.
RECENT FINDINGS
The prevalence of sacroiliac joint pain is estimated at around 25% of low back pain cases, and its diagnosis lacks a gold standard. Treatments include exercise therapy, injections, ablation, and fusion, with variable effectiveness. COVID-19 altered utilization patterns of interventions, including sacroiliac joint procedures, and the evidence for these interventions remains inconclusive. Recently, Medicare has issued its local coverage determinations (LCDs) in the United States, which provides noncoverage of sacroiliac joint radiofrequency neurotomy. Additionally, a recent systematic review of sacroiliac joint injections showed Level III or fair evidence. The sacroiliac joint, a critical axial joint linking the spine and pelvis, contributes to low back pain. Its complex innervation pattern varies among individuals. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction, causing pain and stiffness, arises from diverse factors.The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate radiofrequency neurotomy's effectiveness for sacroiliac joint pain management by applying rigorous methodology, considering both RCTs and observational studies. Despite methodological disparities, the evidence from this review, supported by changes in pain scores and functional improvement, suggests Level III evidence with fair recommendation for radiofrequency neurotomy as a treatment option. The review's strengths include its comprehensive approach and quality assessment. However, limitations persist, including variations in criteria and technical factors, underscoring the need for further high-quality studies in real-world scenarios.
Topics: Sacroiliac Joint; Humans; Low Back Pain; Radiofrequency Ablation; Treatment Outcome; COVID-19; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Denervation
PubMed: 38472618
DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01226-6 -
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics Mar 2024Open debridement remains the gold standard for the clinical treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. However, postoperative complications, such as re-contraction and...
BACKGROUND
Open debridement remains the gold standard for the clinical treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness. However, postoperative complications, such as re-contraction and heterotopic ossification of the elbow joint, are highly prevalent. Hinged external fixation appears to offer the potential for greater improvement of joint function and reduction of complications. The purpose of this article is to provide the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of hinged external fixation combined with open debridement for the treatment of post-traumatic elbow stiffness.
METHODS
We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases until December 31, 2022. STATA 15.1 software was used to analyze all the data for this article. The quality of the included articles was evaluated using the Cochrane Reviewer's Handbook 5.3.
RESULTS
Finally, we selected 8 high-quality RCTs for our meta-analysis, which included 555 patients. The meta-analysis demonstrated that hinged external fixation combined with open debridement for post-traumatic elbow stiffness (treatment group) showed a significant increase in elbow flexion and extension mobility (WMD = 5.16, 95% CI 4.39-5.49, = 13.02, = 0.000), Mayo elbow function scores (WMD = 5.25, 95% CI 4.33-6.17, = 11.15, = 0.000), and Mayo excellent rate (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.14-1.37, = 4.87, = 0.000). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the complication rate (RR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.20, = 2.54, = 0.011) compared to open debridement alone (control group). Furthermore, the results of the publication bias test showed no significant bias.
CONCLUSIONS
With the assistance of hinged external fixation, open debridement for post-traumatic elbow stiffness can lead to increased elbow mobility and a reduced complication rate. However, due to the small sample size, a multicenter randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size is still necessary to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of hinged external fixation combined with open debridement for post-traumatic elbow stiffness.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-023-01087-y.
PubMed: 38425820
DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-01087-y