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Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Aug 2021Osteomyelitis variolosa is a self-limiting disease triggered by variola virus that cannot be prevented or repaired. Smallpox has been eradicated for 40 years, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Osteomyelitis variolosa is a self-limiting disease triggered by variola virus that cannot be prevented or repaired. Smallpox has been eradicated for 40 years, and complications that remain after smallpox has been cured have become a remarkable diagnostic challenge for contemporary physicians. In this systematic review, we searched PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and Google Scholar for cases on complications, diagnosis, and treatment for osteomyelitis variolosa between January 1980 and February 2021.
RESULTS
Ten papers and eleven finished cases, all patients from India, were included for comparison with the present case. In total, 100% of patients presented with bilateral elbow deformities, the ankle was the second most common site of lesion in 50%, and knee lesions accounted for 25% in this study. Flexion contracture, joint instability, secondary arthritis, and fracture are common complications of osteomyelitis variolosa, and most patients receive conservative treatment, while internal fixation has good results for combined fractures.
CONCLUSIONS
Although osteomyelitis variolosa is not a direct threat to the safety of patients, severe skeletal deformities can have a significant impact on quality of life. With advances in surgical techniques, clinicians are offering an increasing number of treatment options for patients with osteomyelitis variolosa. However, most importantly, smallpox has basically been removed from the historical arena, and for areas where smallpox was once endemic, physicians need to deepen the understanding of this disease again.
Topics: Humans; Joint Instability; Osteomyelitis; Quality of Life; Smallpox; Variola virus
PubMed: 34362412
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-01985-0 -
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery :... 2021The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety between the microfracture (MFx) and augmented microfracture (MFx+) techniques for articular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy and safety between the microfracture (MFx) and augmented microfracture (MFx+) techniques for articular cartilage defects of the talus (OLTs). PubMed and EMBASE were searched from January 1950 to October 2020. Only randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, and observational studies (retrospective and prospective) applying MFx and MFx+ techniques to treat talar cartilage defects were selected. Ten trials with 492 patients were included. There was significant difference in final American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score (AOFAS) (mean difference [MD] = 7.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.70-10.44; p < .01), AOFAS change (MD = 7.97; 95% CI, 4.27-11.66; p < .01), visual analog scale (VAS) change score (MD = 0.44; 95% CI, 0.29-0.59; p < .01), Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) score (MD = 12.51; 95% CI, 7.16-17.86; p < .01), complication (RR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.69; p < .01), and revision (Relative risk = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.15-0.77; p < .05), between the MFx and MFx+ groups. No significant difference was observed for final VAS pain score (MD = -0.53; 95% CI, -1.2 to 1.05; p = .13) and Tegner scale (MD = 0.31; 95% CI, -1.05 to 1.66; p = .66) in either group. Our results suggest that augmented microfracture is superior to microfracture alone in the treatment of talar OLTs based on the AOFAS, MOCART, VAS score, complication rate, and revision ratio. Therefore, microfracture with augmentation should be considered as a treatment for OLTs of talus. However, more randomized trials are still required to determine the long-term superiority of MFx+.
Topics: Arthroplasty, Subchondral; Cartilage, Articular; Fractures, Stress; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Talus; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34294533
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2020.11.013 -
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma... Aug 2021
Correction to: Incidence of concomitant chondral/osteochondral lesions in acute ankle fractures and their effect on clinical outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed: 34156530
DOI: 10.1007/s00402-021-03985-y -
Skeletal Radiology Jan 2022Plain radiographs are a globally ubiquitous means of investigation for injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Despite this, initial interpretation remains a challenge... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Plain radiographs are a globally ubiquitous means of investigation for injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Despite this, initial interpretation remains a challenge and inaccuracies give rise to adverse sequelae for patients and healthcare providers alike. This study sought to address the limited, existing meta-analytic research on the initial reporting of radiographs for skeletal trauma, with specific regard to diagnostic accuracy of the most commonly injured region of the appendicular skeleton, the lower limb.
METHOD
A prospectively registered, systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using published research from the major clinical-science databases. Studies identified as appropriate for inclusion underwent methodological quality and risk of bias analysis. Meta-analysis was then performed to establish summary rates for specificity and sensitivity of diagnostic accuracy, including covariates by anatomical site, using HSROC and bivariate models.
RESULTS
A total of 3887 articles were screened, with 10 identified as suitable for analysis based on the eligibility criteria. Sensitivity and specificity across the studies were 93.5% and 89.7% respectively. Compared with other anatomical subdivisions, interpretation of ankle radiographs yielded the highest sensitivity and specificity, with values of 98.1% and 94.6% respectively, and a diagnostic odds ratio of 929.97.
CONCLUSION
Interpretation of lower limb skeletal radiographs operates at a reasonably high degree of sensitivity and specificity. However, one in twenty true positives is missed on initial radiographic interpretation and safety netting systems need to be established to address this. Virtual fracture clinic reviews and teleradiology services in conjunction with novel technology will likely be crucial in these circumstances.
Topics: Humans; Lower Extremity; Radiography; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 34143230
DOI: 10.1007/s00256-021-03821-9 -
Cureus Jun 2021Syndesmotic injuries can occur with ankle fractures and can lead to destabilization of the ankle joint. As a result, it usually requires a transyndesmotic screw... (Review)
Review
Syndesmotic injuries can occur with ankle fractures and can lead to destabilization of the ankle joint. As a result, it usually requires a transyndesmotic screw insertion to stabilize it. Currently, there is no consensus on the type, amount and diameter of screws used, the number of cortices needed to be engaged, the recommended time to weight-bearing, and whether the screw should be removed in these types of injuries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the evidence comparing the removal and non-removal of syndesmotic screws in open and closed ankle fractures that are associated with unstable syndesmosis in terms of functional, clinical, and radiological evidence. The study also looked at the evidence behind broken screw effects. The literature search was conducted on March 16, 2021, using the Ovid Medline and Embase databases. The literature was eligible if it aimed to compare syndesmotic screw removal and retention in ankle fractures. One study found that those with a broken screw had a better clinical outcome than those with an intact screw. The studies were excluded if they were biomechanical studies, case reports, or were relevant but had no adequate English translation. Initially, 53 studies were included but after scanning for eligibility, 11 were identified (including those added from references). Nine were cohort studies, seven of which did not find any difference in functional outcome between routine removal and retention of the syndesmotic screw. Two studies found there were better clinical outcomes in the broken screw group. Another study found that there were slightly worse functional outcomes in patients with intact screws as compared with those with broken, loosened, or removed screws. Two studies were randomized control studies that no significant functional outcomes between removed and intact syndesmotic screws. However, the majority of these studies had a high risk of bias. Overall, the current literature provides no evidence to support routine removal of syndesmotic screws. Keeping in mind the clear complications and financial burden, syndesmotic screw removal should not be performed unless there is a clear indication. Furthermore, removal in the clinic, with the use of prophylactic antibiotics should be considered if indicated in cases with pain or loss of function. Further research in a structured randomized controlled trial (RCT) to examine if there is any difference in short- or long-term outcomes between removed, intact, loose, or broken syndesmotic screws might be beneficial. A multinational protocol for randomized control trials (RODEO-trial) is an example of such a study to determine the usefulness of on-demand and routine removal of screws.
PubMed: 34104613
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15435 -
PloS One 2021The association between obesity and fracture risk may be skeletal site- and sex-specific but results among studies are inconsistent. Whilst several studies reported... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The association between obesity and fracture risk may be skeletal site- and sex-specific but results among studies are inconsistent. Whilst several studies reported higher bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with obesity, altered bone quality could be a major determinant of bone fragility in this population.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare, in men, premenopausal women and postmenopausal women with obesity vs. individuals without obesity: 1) the incidence of fractures overall and by site; 2) BMD; and 3) bone quality parameters (circulating bone turnover markers and bone microarchitecture and strength by advanced imaging techniques).
DATA SOURCES
PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched from inception of databases until the 13th of January 2021.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Each outcome was stratified by sex and menopausal status in women. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model with inverse-variance method. The risks of hip and wrist fracture were reduced by 25% (n = 8: RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62, 0.91, P = 0.003, I2 = 95%) and 15% (n = 2 studies: RR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.81, 0.88), respectively, while ankle fracture risk was increased by 60% (n = 2 studies: RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.52, 1.68) in postmenopausal women with obesity compared with those without obesity. In men with obesity, hip fracture risk was decreased by 41% (n = 5 studies: RR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.79). Obesity was associated with increased BMD, better bone microarchitecture and strength, and generally lower or unchanged circulating bone resorption, formation and osteocyte markers. However, heterogeneity among studies was high for most outcomes, and overall quality of evidence was very low to low for all outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis highlights areas for future research including the need for site-specific fracture studies, especially in men and premenopausal women, and studies comparing bone microarchitecture between individuals with and without obesity.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020159189.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Bone Density; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Data Management; Obesity; Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal
PubMed: 34101735
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252487 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2021Tibial shaft fractures (TSFs) combined with occult posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) are becoming widely recognized in the field of orthopedics. The purpose of this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tibial shaft fractures (TSFs) combined with occult posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) are becoming widely recognized in the field of orthopedics. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical incidence, missed diagnosis rate, and treatment strategies of this combined injury.
METHODS
PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE Ovid databases were searched for articles of English language from 1988 to 2020, identifying 1549 papers.
RESULTS
Twenty-one of the 1278 identified studies were eligible for inclusion. Each study reported on the incidence of this combined injury, and 12 studies documented the missed diagnosis rate. Seventeen studies reported surgical intervention strategies for PMFs. In the present review, PMFs frequently occurred in spiral TSFs (70%), especially distal third spiral TSFs (70.4%), based on CT scans or additional MRI. Based on the original X-ray detection, approximately 50% of PMFs were missed in patients with a combined injury. In addition, the treatment strategies for PMFs were inconsistent. Most studies (11/17) believe that specific surgical management needs to be developed based on the fragment size, displacement, and stability of the PMF.
CONCLUSIONS
For patients with TSFs, spiral TSFs, especially distal third spiral TSFs, are closely related to PMFs and are often not sufficiently diagnosed by X-ray alone. Advanced CT and MRI examinations can significantly reduce the missed diagnosis rate of occult PMFs. According to available literature, the treatment strategy for PMFs associated with TSFs is questionable without convincing evidence of benefit.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ankle Fractures; Carrier Proteins; Diagnostic Errors; Humans; Incidence; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Trauma; Risk; Tibial Fractures; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Young Adult
PubMed: 34074309
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02502-6 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Apr 2021Acute Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is a destructive condition that is characterised by acute fractures, dislocations and joint destruction in the weight-bearing foot....
BACKGROUND
Acute Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is a destructive condition that is characterised by acute fractures, dislocations and joint destruction in the weight-bearing foot. The acute phase is often misdiagnosed and can rapidly lead to devastating health outcomes. Early diagnosis and management of CN is imperative to attenuate progression of this condition. Consequently, timely evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and management of acute CN is imperative.
OBJECTIVE
To identify the factors that impact the delivery of evidence-based care in assessment, diagnosis and management of people with acute CN.
METHOD
Systematic searches were conducted in four databases to identify studies in English that included factors that impact the delivery of evidence-based care in the assessment, diagnosis and management of people with acute CN. Articles and consensus/guideline documents were assessed for inclusion by the researchers and disagreements were resolved through consensus. Additionally backward citation searching was used to source other potentially relevant documents. Information relevant to the research question was extracted and thematic analyses were performed using qualitative synthesis.
RESULTS
Thirty-two articles and four additional consensus/guideline documents were included for data extraction and analyses. Information related to the research question was of expert opinion using the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Levels of Evidence guidelines. Themes explaining practices that deviated from evidence-based care in assessment, diagnosis and management of acute CN centred around patient, health professional and health organisation/environmental. Delay to diagnosis is particularly influenced by the patient's knowledge of when to seek help, practitioner knowledge in knowing how to recognise and refer for appropriate immediate care, confusion in imaging and offloading and geographical and local health service resources to appropriately manage the condition.
CONCLUSION
Individual and health professional awareness and geographical barriers are key challenges to the effective delivery of evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and management of people with acute CN. Acute CN represents a medical emergency warranting the need for expedited assessment, diagnosis and management by appropriately trained health professionals in the appropriate.
Topics: Acute Disease; Arthropathy, Neurogenic; Disease Management; Evidence-Based Practice; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Personnel; Health Services Accessibility; Humans; Symptom Assessment
PubMed: 33827640
DOI: 10.1186/s13047-021-00469-5 -
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... Jun 2021Ankle fractures in diabetic patients are known to have an increased morbidity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence in terms of risk profile and...
BACKGROUND
Ankle fractures in diabetic patients are known to have an increased morbidity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence in terms of risk profile and inform treatment options.
METHODS
Following the methodology of the Cochrane collaboration, an extensive literature search was conducted. Outcomes included, complications, operative and non-operative management and early weight-bearing.
RESULTS
A total of 40 studies were included. Complication rates were higher in diabetic patients and more so in poorly controlled diabetes, IDDM, or "complicated" diabetes. Supplementary fixation was associated with lower complication rates. Regarding early weight-bearing, similar results to non-diabetics in the stable fracture pattern were found providing there was no evidence of neuropathy.
CONCLUSION
Diabetes, especially complicated diabetes, presents an increased risk of complications. However non operative management of diabetic ankle fractures do poorly, and with the use of 'ORIF plus' techniques there is no increase in complications from early fixation. The use of external fixation for definitive fixation should be minimised as it is associated with high complication rates.
PubMed: 33717970
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.01.016 -
Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and... May 2021This systematic review evaluated the surgical outcomes of various ankle fracture treatment modalities in patients with Diabetes Mellitus as well as the methodological...
AIM
This systematic review evaluated the surgical outcomes of various ankle fracture treatment modalities in patients with Diabetes Mellitus as well as the methodological quality of the studies.
METHODS
For our review, four online databases were searched: PubMed, MEDLINE (Clarivate Analytics), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health) and Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics). The overall methodological quality of the studies was assessed with the Coleman Methodology Score. Data regarding diabetic ankle fractures were pooled into three outcomes groups for comparison: (1) the standard fixation cohort with management of diabetic ankle fractures using ORIF with small or mini fragment internal fixation techniques following AO principles, (2) the minimally invasive cohort with diabetic ankle fracture management utilizing percutaneous cannulated screws or intramedullary fixation, and (3) the combined construct cohort treated with a combination of ORIF and another construct (transarticular or external fixation).
RESULTS
The search strategy identified 2228 potential studies from the four databases and 11 were included in the final review. Compared to the standard fixation cohort, the minimally invasive cohort had increased risk of hardware breakage or migration and the combined constructs cohort had increased risk of hardware breakage or migration, surgical site infection and nonunion. Limb salvage rates were similar for the standard fixation and minimally invasive cohorts; however, the combined constructs cohort had a significantly lower limb salvage rate compared to that of the standard fixation cohort. The mean Coleman Methodology Score indicated the quality of the studies in the review was poor and consistent with its limitations.
DISCUSSION
The overall quality of published studies on operative treatment of diabetic ankle fractures is low. Treating diabetic ankle fractures operatively results in a high number of complications regardless of fixation method. However, limb salvage rates remain high overall at 97.9% at a mean follow-up of 21.7 months. To achieve improved limb salvage rates and decrease complications, it is critical is to follow basic AO principles, respect the soft tissue envelope or utilize minimally invasive techniques, and be wary that certain combined constructs may be associated with higher complication rates.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
2.
PubMed: 33717936
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.12.013