-
JBJS Reviews Oct 2022Noninvasive assessment of osseous fusion after spinal fusion surgery is essential for timely diagnosis of patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis and for evaluation of...
BACKGROUND
Noninvasive assessment of osseous fusion after spinal fusion surgery is essential for timely diagnosis of patients with symptomatic pseudarthrosis and for evaluation of the performance of spinal fusion procedures. There is, however, no consensus on the definition and assessment of successful posterolateral fusion (PLF) of the lumbar spine. This systematic review aimed to (1) summarize the criteria used for imaging-based fusion assessment after instrumented PLF and (2) evaluate their diagnostic accuracy and reliability.
METHODS
First, a search of the literature was conducted in November 2018 to identify reproducible criteria for imaging-based fusion assessment after primary instrumented PLF between T10 and S1 in adult patients, and to determine their frequency of use. A second search in July 2021 was directed at primary studies on the diagnostic accuracy (with surgical exploration as the reference) and/or reliability (interobserver and intraobserver agreement) of these criteria. Article selection and data extraction were performed by at least 2 reviewers independently. The methodological quality of validation studies was assessed with the QUADAS-2 (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2) and QAREL (Quality Appraisal of Reliability Studies).
RESULTS
Of the 187 articles included from the first search, 47% used a classification system and 63% used ≥1 descriptive criterion related to osseous bridging (104 articles), absence of motion (78 articles), and/or absence of static signs of nonunion (39 articles). A great variation in terminology, cutoff values, and assessed anatomical locations was observed. While the use of computed tomography (CT) increased over time, radiographs remained predominant. The second search yielded 11 articles with considerable variation in outcomes and quality concerns. Agreement between imaging-based assessment and surgical exploration with regard to demonstration of fusion ranged between 55% and 80%, while reliability ranged from poor to excellent.
CONCLUSIONS
None of the available criteria for noninvasive assessment of fusion status after instrumented PLF were demonstrated to have both sufficient accuracy and reliability. Further elaboration and validation of a well-defined systematic CT-based assessment method that allows grading of the intertransverse and interfacet fusion mass at each side of each fusion level and includes signs of nonunion is recommended.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Reproducibility of Results; Spinal Fusion; Lumbosacral Region; Lumbar Vertebrae; Spinal Diseases
PubMed: 36325766
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.RVW.22.00129 -
Journal of Orthopaedics and... Oct 2022Robotic surgery (RS) may offer benefits compared with freehand/conventional surgery (FS) in the treatment of patients with spinal disease. The aim of this study was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Robotic surgery (RS) may offer benefits compared with freehand/conventional surgery (FS) in the treatment of patients with spinal disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RS versus FS in spinal fusion.
METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Data analysis and risk of bias assessment were analysed using REVMAN V5.3.
RESULTS
We found 11 randomised clinical trials involving 817 patients (FS: 408, RS: 409). The main diagnosis was degenerative spine disease. SpineAssist, Renaissance (Mazor Robotics), Tianji Robot and TiRobot robots (TINAVI Medical Technologies) were used. Pedicle screw placement within the safety zone (grades A + B according to the Gertzbein and Robbins scale) ranged from 93% to 100% in FS versus 85-100% in RS (relative risk 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p = 0.14). Regarding intervention time, the meta-analysis showed a mean difference (MD) of 6.45 min (95% CI -13.59 to 26.49, p = 0.53). Mean hospital stay was MD of -0.36 days (95% CI -1.03 to 0.31, p = 0.30) with no differences between groups. Contradictory results were found regarding fluoroscopy time, although there seems to be a lower radiation dose in RS versus FS (p < 0.05). Regarding safety, the studies included surgical revision frequency.
CONCLUSIONS
No conclusive results were found suggesting that there are benefits in using RS over FS for spinal fusion. Further research with adequate patient selection, robot type and quality-of-life variables is needed.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
level 1.
Topics: Humans; Lumbar Vertebrae; Pedicle Screws; Retrospective Studies; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics; Spinal Diseases; Spinal Fusion; Spine
PubMed: 36242652
DOI: 10.1186/s10195-022-00669-0 -
Journal of Children's Orthopaedics Oct 2022Pes planus (or flatfoot) is the most common deformity in children with cerebral palsy. There are several surgical interventions used to treat it: single calcaneal... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Pes planus (or flatfoot) is the most common deformity in children with cerebral palsy. There are several surgical interventions used to treat it: single calcaneal osteotomies, extra-articular arthrodesis, double calcaneal osteotomy, calcaneo-cuboid-cuneiform osteotomy, intra-articular arthrodesis, and arthroereisis. There is currently no evidence on optimal treatment for flatfoot in children with cerebral palsy. Our purpose is to systematically review studies reporting complications, recurrence rates, and radiological outcomes of the surgical management of flatfoot in children with cerebral palsy.
METHODS
Five databases were searched to identify studies published from inception until July 2021, with keywords relating to flatfoot, cerebral palsy, and surgical interventions. We included prospective, retrospective, and comparative study designs in the English language. Data was extracted and tabulated in duplicate into Excel, and analysis was conducted using Python SciPy.
RESULTS
In total, 1220 studies were identified of which 44 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2234 feet in 1364 patients with a mean age of 10.3 years and mean follow-up of 55.9 months. Radiographic outcomes showed improvement with all procedures; complications and recurrence rates were too poorly reported to compare. Only 6 (14%) studies were assessed as a low risk of bias. There was substantial heterogeneity of outcome measures.
CONCLUSION
There is a lack of high-quality, comparative studies assessing the radiological outcomes, complications, and recurrence rates of surgical alternatives to treat flatfoot in children with cerebral palsy. There is currently no clear evidence on optimal surgical treatment.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
IIa based on Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine.
PubMed: 36238147
DOI: 10.1177/18632521221112496 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jul 2022Central talar fractures are rare and often associated with impaired functional outcome. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and management of talus fractures,...
BACKGROUND
Central talar fractures are rare and often associated with impaired functional outcome. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and management of talus fractures, complications rates remain high and functional outcome is generally poor. This study aims to provide an overview of complication rates and functional outcome following operative treatment of talar neck and body fractures. This may help in clinical decision making by improving patients' expectation management and tailored treatment strategies.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was conducted of studies published from January 2000 to July 2021 reporting functional outcome and/or complications following operative treatment of talar neck, body, or combined neck and body fractures. Keywords used were (Talar fracture) or (Talus fracture). Data on complication rates and functional outcome was extracted from selected articles.
RESULTS
A total of 28 articles were included in our analysis reporting 1086 operative treated talar fractures (755 neck [70%], 227 body fractures [21%], and 104 combined body and neck fractures [9%]). The mean follow-up was 48 (range 4-192) months. Complications occurred frequently with; 6% surgical site infection, 8% nonunion, 29% avascular necrosis, 64% osteoarthritis, and in 16% a secondary arthrodesis was necessary. A wide variety in functional outcome was reported; however, there seems to be a correlation between fracture classification and postoperative complications.
CONCLUSION
Operative treatment of central talar fractures is associated with a high incidence of early and late complications and often leads to an impaired functional outcome. Standardization of talar fracture classification and scoring systems in combination with large sample-sized prospective studies are warranted to detect further predictive factors influencing tailormade treatment strategies and patient expectation management.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, Systematic review of case series and case-control studies.
PubMed: 36199382
DOI: 10.1177/24730114221127201 -
European Journal of Radiology Nov 2022Many studies have been performed that investigate consolidation after arthrodesis of foot and ankle joints. Consolidation in foot and ankle joints is best assessed by... (Review)
Review
PURPOSES
Many studies have been performed that investigate consolidation after arthrodesis of foot and ankle joints. Consolidation in foot and ankle joints is best assessed by computed tomography (CT). However, no golden-standard methodology exists for radiological consolidation assessment from CT after ankle and foot arthrodesis. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the radiological methodologies for consolidation assessment, outcomes on reliability and validity and to advise which methodology should be used.
METHOD
Scientific databases were systematically searched. Eligible studies were studies that 1) performed foot or ankle arthrodesis, 2) mentioned radiological or CT follow-up in abstract, 3) performed postoperative CT in > 50% of patients. Two authors selected eligible studies and performed a risk of bias assessment with the COSMIN tool.
RESULTS
Risk of bias assessment showed that most studies (80%) were at high risk of bias due to poor methodology. The most popular method for consolidation assessment is by subjectively categorizing consolidation into consolidation groups, with a substantial reliability score. Another popular method is to calculate the fusion ratio and then apply a fusion threshold, to distinguish between fused and non-fused joints. This method had an excellent reliability score. In most studies a fusion threshold of 50% is used. However, four studies in this review showed that a 30% fusion threshold may by more valid.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this review we would advise to calculate fusion threshold and apply a 30% fusion threshold to distinguish fused from non-fused foot and ankle joints.
PubMed: 36108477
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110511 -
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics Sep 2022The purpose of this paper was to review the MRI features and treatment for idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip (ICH) in patients aged 18 years or less. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this paper was to review the MRI features and treatment for idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip (ICH) in patients aged 18 years or less.
METHODS
We included studies published in English up to August 2021. We accessed major electronic bibliographic databases on ICH that described MRI features, treatment, or both. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical appraisal checklist for case reports for Risk of bias assessment.
RESULTS
We pooled 136 hips (125 participants) from 35 studies with 11.6 ± 3.4 years mean age. We had 46, 8, and 106 hips to assess ICH's MRI, pharmacological, and operative interventions. Geometric marrow edema (GME) ( < 0.01), diffuse marrow edema (DME) ( < 0.05), diffuse cartilage loss (DCL) ( < 0.05), and joint effusion ( < 0.05), were significantly associated with time in first MRI reviews. GME ( < 0.01) and focal cartilage loss (FCL) ( < 0.01) decreased significantly between two MRI reviews at median time of 1.75 (IQR 0.93-4.25) and 12.5 (IQR 3.75-19.5) months. Diffuse cartilage loss ( < 0.01) and degenerative changes ( < 0.01) increased significantly between the two MRI reviews. Etanercept, Methotrexate, and Botulinum Neurotoxin A drugs were used by 3, 3, and 1 report to treat ICH. Capsulectomies, total hip arthroplasty, arthrodiastasis, arthrodesis, arthroscopy operations treated 45, 18, 5, 5, and 2 hips.
DISCUSSION
GME may be the most specific and early MRI feature in diagnosing ICH. GME and DME show an inverse relationship over time. So, it is with FCL and DCL. Despite reports on the efficacy of biologics, immunomodulators, and operations, early and late ICH management remains controversial due to poor quality studies.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00684-7.
PubMed: 36052391
DOI: 10.1007/s43465-022-00684-7 -
Yonsei Medical Journal Sep 2022With an increasing number of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) being conducted for degenerative cervical disc disease, there is a rising interest in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
With an increasing number of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) being conducted for degenerative cervical disc disease, there is a rising interest in the related quality of management and healthcare costs. Unplanned readmission after ACDF affects both the quality of management and medical expenses. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors of unplanned readmission after ACDF to improve the quality of management and prevent increase in healthcare costs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library to identify eligible studies using the searching terms, "readmission" and "ACDF." A total of 10 studies were included.
RESULTS
Among the demographic risk factors, older age [weighted mean difference (WMD), 3.93; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.30-5.56; <0.001], male [odds ratio (OR), 1.23; 95% CI, 1.10-1.36; <0.001], and private insurance (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17-0.69; <0.001) were significantly associated with unplanned readmission. Among patient characteristics, hypertension (HTN) (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.41-3.25; <0.001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.20-2.11; =0.001), coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 2.13-3.86; <0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status grade >2 (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.68-2.72; <0.001), and anxiety and depression (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.29-1.51; <0.001) were significantly associated with unplanned readmission. Among the perioperative factors, pulmonary complications (OR, 22.52; 95% CI, 7.21-70.41; <0.001) was significantly associated with unplanned readmission.
CONCLUSION
Male, older age, HTN, DM, CAD, ASA grade >2, anxiety and depression, pulmonary complications were significantly associated with an increased occurrence of unplanned readmission after ACDF.
Topics: Cervical Vertebrae; Diskectomy; Humans; Male; Patient Readmission; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Spinal Fusion
PubMed: 36031784
DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2022.63.9.842 -
Clinical Spine Surgery Jun 2023Systematic review and meta-analysis. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to compare the fusion and subsidence rate of titanium-coated polyetheretherketone (Ti-PEEK) versus polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages after lumbar fusion and to investigate the clinical effect on patient-reported outcomes (PROMs).
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA
Ti-PEEK cages have been developed to combine the advantages of both titanium alloy and PEEK, but whether they are superior to uncoated PEEK cages in bone fusion is still inconclusive.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, CENTRAL, and CNKI were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of Ti-PEEK and PEEK cages in lumbar fusion. Difference in fusion rate and subsidence rate was indicated by risk ratio and its associated 95% confidence interval (95% confidence interval). Mean difference was calculated for Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale for low back pain. Subgroup analysis was performed by time course after the surgery. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence.
RESULTS
Four randomized controlled trials involving 325 patients (160 patients in Ti-PEEK group and 165 patients in PEEK group) that underwent lumbar fusion were included by our current study. Low to moderate evidence suggested that Ti-PEEK and PEEK cages exhibited equivalent fusion rate and subsidence rate at any follow-up time. Low to moderate evidence suggested that there was no difference in PROMs except for visual analogue scale measured at 6 months (mean difference: -0.57, 95% confidence interval -0.94, -0.21; P =0.002) but the difference was not clinically relevant according to the minimal clinically important difference.
CONCLUSION
Low to moderate evidence showed that Ti-PEEK and PEEK had equivalent effect in bone fusion and cages subsidence at any follow-up time after lumbar fusion surgeries. Low to moderate evidence showed no clinically important difference in PROMs.
Topics: Humans; Titanium; Spinal Fusion; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers; Ketones; Lumbar Vertebrae; Treatment Outcome; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35994033
DOI: 10.1097/BSD.0000000000001378 -
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery Jun 2022This study compares the outcomes of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar fusion (ankle arthrodesis) in patients with end-stage... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This study compares the outcomes of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar fusion (ankle arthrodesis) in patients with end-stage osteoarthritis. The primary outcome assessed was Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS); secondary outcomes included the incidence of revision, re-operation, and complications.
METHODS
A systematic review of studies examining the outcomes of patients undergoing TAA and/or tibiotalar fusion from 2006 to 2020 was conducted. Individual cohort studies and randomized control trials were included. Outcomes were assessed at two and five years.
RESULTS
21 studies were included: 16 arthroplasty (2,016 patients) and 5 arthrodesis (256 patients) studies. No significant difference in PROMS was evident two years post-surgery - American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were 78.8 (95% CI-confidence interval: 76.6-80.8; n=1548) and 80.8 (95% CI: 80.1-81.5; n=206 patients) for the arthroplasty and arthrodesis groups respectively. Two years post-surgery the revision rates for the arthroplasty and arthrodesis groups were similar - 3.5% (n=9) and 3.7% (n=61) respectively (OR-odds ratio: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.51-2.13); however, the re-operation rate was 2.5 times higher for the arthroplasty group (12.2%) in comparison to the arthrodesis group (5.1%) (OR: 2.57; 95% CI: 1.43-4.62). Documented complications in the arthroplasty group were half those documented in the arthrodesis group two years post-surgery (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37-0.77). No arthrodesis studies were found which contained mean 5-year follow-up data within the study period.
CONCLUSION
Despite recent developments in TAA design, we found no clear evidence as to their superiority over ankle arthrodesis when considering patient outcomes two years postoperatively. However, this conclusion could be debatable in some types of patients such as diabetic patients, posttraumatic patients and patients with stiff hindfoot and midfoot.
PubMed: 35928907
DOI: 10.22038/ABJS.2021.55790.2778 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jul 2022End-stage ankle osteoarthritis often requires one of 2 major surgical procedures: total ankle arthroplasty or ankle arthrodesis. Although the gold standard has been...
BACKGROUND
End-stage ankle osteoarthritis often requires one of 2 major surgical procedures: total ankle arthroplasty or ankle arthrodesis. Although the gold standard has been arthrodesis, patients with diabetes represent a unique cohort that requires additional considerations because of their decreased mobility and risk factors for cardiovascular complications. The purpose of this study is to review odds of major and minor adverse events for patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes in both total ankle arthroplasty and ankle arthrodesis.
METHODS
A total of 14 articles published between 2010 and 2020 were included in this review. Databases included PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE/Embase, and Cochrane Library. Key words included ankle arthroplasty, total ankle arthroplasty, ankle arthrodesis, and diabetes.
RESULTS
The total number of procedures was 26 287, comprising 13 830 arthroplasty and 12 457 arthrodesis procedures. There was a significant association between patients with diabetes treated with arthrodesis and major adverse events (odds ratio [OR] 1.880, 95% CI 1.279, 2.762), whereas no significant association was observed between patients with diabetes treated with arthroplasty and major adverse events (OR 1.106, 95% CI 0.871, 1.404).
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis suggests patients with diabetes to be at significantly higher risk for major and minor adverse events after undergoing ankle arthrodesis. However, it suggests no significant differences in major adverse events between patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes having undergone total ankle arthroplasty.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, systematic review and meta-analysis.
PubMed: 35924005
DOI: 10.1177/24730114221112955