Evaluation of the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes in patients with distal tibia fractures with simple intra-articular extension treated with intramedullary multidirectional locking nail: a prospective study

Background: Distal tibia fractures with extension into the ankle joint (AO/OTA type 43C) poses challenge for an orthopedic surgeon, due to its subcutaneous nature and precarious blood supply. Literature has described various treatment modalities; most commonly used being locking compression pates, external fixators and intramedullary multidirectional locking nails. Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with distal tibia fracture AO type 43C1 and 43C2, managed with intramedullary multidirectional locking nails in a close manner, with intra-articular fragment fixation preceding the nail insertion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes as well as the complications in these patients. Results: Patients’ mean age was 48.7±16.6 years; most had type 43C1 fractures (51 patients). The mean surgery time was 88.4±17.5 minutes, performed within 5.6±2.01 days post-injury. The 30 patients had fibula fracture with syndesmotic injury which was fixed with TENS nail. The functional assessment with Johner and Wruh’s criteria; 45 patients (75%) had excellent, 12 patients (20%) had good and 3 patients (5%) had fair outcomes. The fracture union averaged 16.7±1.63 weeks (14-20 weeks). 6 patients had superficial wound complication, while 3 patients had valgus malalignment; all managed without further surgery. Conclusions: Intramedullary nailing following specific surgical technique, and potential percutaneous screws; is a safe, effective and successful treatment option for AO/OTA types 43C1 and 43C2 fractures with high fracture union rates, high functional results, and low complication rates

Assessment of clinical, functional and radiological outcomes in young patients with grade 3 and 4 osteoarthritis of the knee joint undergoing knee joint distraction with and without arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty-a prospective, comparative and randomized controlled study

Background: Treatment of severe osteoarthritis (OA) in relatively young patients is challenging. Although successful, Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has a limited lifespan, with the risk of revision surgery, especially in active young patients. Our study aims to assess the comparative clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of knee joint distraction (KJD) with and without arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty in OA of knee in the young, in a randomized controlled trial. Methods: Our study was a prospective randomized trial with equal allocation. A total of 160 patients needing intervention for knee arthritis, in the age group of <55 years were included as per the inclusion criteria, and were randomized into 2 groups. Group A included 80 patients who underwent KJD alone. Group B included 80 patients who underwent KJD with arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty. All patients were followed up to 24 months post intervention. Clinical (Visual analogue scale-VAS), functional (Western Ontario and McMaster universities OA index-WOMAC) and radiological (Joint space width-JSW) outcomes were then compared and assessed. Results: Both the groups showed statistically significant improvement of clinical, functional and radiological outcome scores compared to baseline levels. The mean improvement in KJD+SCOPY group was statistically superior to that of KJD group with regard to clinical and functional outcome scores; however, the radiological improvement though being statistically significant in both groups compared to baseline levels, but one group was not superior to that of other. Conclusions: KJD in patients with OA of knee (Kellegren Lawrence grade 3-4) aged <55 years results in improvement of clinical, functional and radiological parameters at 2 year follow up. Addition of arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty to KJD makes it superior to KJD alone in terms of improvement in clinical, functional and radiological outcomes. We recommend arthroscopic debridement and chondroplasty coupled with KJD for compliant patients of less than 55 years with grade 3-4 OA of the knee

A prospective and observational study to assess the efficacy of pregabalin versus Gabapentin in relieving early post operative neuropathic pain with respect to clinical and functional outcomes in patients undergoing open lumbar discectomy surgery

Background: Post-operative neuropathic pain is one of the most dreadful complications following lumbar spine surgeries. Owing to the similarities in the pathophysiological and biochemical mechanisms underlying epilepsy and neuropathic pain, many anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) like pregabalin and gabapentin are being used in the treatment of post-operative neuropathic pain. Methods: This prospective and observational study included a total of 60 patients out of 261 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy surgery, who postoperatively had neuropathic pain as diagnosed with LANSS score; and were randomly divided into pregabalin (n=30) and gabapentin (n=30) supplementation groups, and the efficacy was compared with respect to visual analog scale (VAS) score (clinically) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) score (functionally) at pre-operative and post-operative follow-ups; and also, total analgesia consumed. Results: No statistical differences were observed between any of the demographic variables and surgical levels operated upon between the two groups. Both the groups showed significant improvements in clinical (VAS) and functional (ODI) outcome as compared to pre-operative status. Leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs scale (LANSS) score was significantly increased in both the groups postoperatively till the 3rdmonthfollow-up, after which there was a significant decrease in the score. The Pregabalin group showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in VAS and ODI scores at the post operative 1st, 3rd, and 6th month, as compared to the gabapentin group; however, at other follow-ups the difference was insignificant. Total analgesia consumed was significantly higher in the gabapentin group. Conclusions: Our study concluded that both pregabalin and gabapentin are highly effective in the treatment of early post-operative neuropathic pain; showing encouraging clinical and functional improvements. Pregabalin had significantly better outcomes on short-term follow-ups; however, on longer follow-ups, both had similar beneficial outcomes. Pregabalin supplementation showed a significant analgesia-sparing effect as compared to gabapentin

Assessment of clinical and functional outcomes after single dose injection of autologous platelet rich plasma in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: a prospective and brief follow up study

Background: Lateral epicondylitis is a chronic, painful, and debilitating elbow condition. The introduction of platelet-rich plasma as an adjunct to the conservative and operative treatment has revolutionized the research in this topic. PRP is considered to be the ideal autologous biological blood-derived product which helps in regenerating the degenerated tissue rather than just repairing it and helps in relieving pain and improving function. Methods: This is a prospective study where 40 patients diagnosed with tennis elbow, failing other conservative treatment modalities were enrolled; and treated with single dose injection of autologous PRP; and were evaluated for clinical and functional outcomes using the visual analogue scale and disabilities of arm, shoulder, and hand scores on the follow-ups. Results: Out of the 40 patients enrolled, there were 15 males and 25 females. The mean age of the population was 45.88±8.87 years. All the patients had improved statistically significant differences in mean VAS and DASH scores (p value<0.001) on each follow-up as compared to the baseline score with VAS score and DASH score improvement being more than 77% and 65% respectively at final follow up. Conclusion: Our study concludes that a single local injection of autologous PRP appears to be the promising and safe modality of treatment in lateral epicondylitis, helping to improve the pain as well as the clinical and functional outcomes

A prospective and comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of oral pregabalin vs gabapentin combined with IV paracetamol as preemptive analgesic for post-operative pain in patients undergoing single level open lumbar spine decompression surgery in a tertiary health care center

Background: Post-operative pain in spine surgery, whether neuropathic or nociceptive, presents a significant challenge for both surgeons and patients. Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of pre-operative oral gabapentinoids in reducing postoperative pain, extending the time to first rescue analgesia, and diminishing overall analgesic requirements. Methods: This study involved 120 patients undergoing lumbar discectomy for disc herniation. They were randomly assigned to receive pre-operative oral pregabalin, gabapentin, or a placebo, along with IV paracetamol as preemptive analgesia. The study assessed their efficacy through post-operative pain scores (VAS), and sedation scores (Ramsay sedation score) at various intervals, time to first rescue analgesia, and total analgesia consumption. Results: No significant differences were found in demographic variables, surgical levels, or duration among the groups. The placebo group had the shortest time to first rescue analgesia, while the pregabalin group showed the longest, with a notable difference. Across most time frames, the pregabalin group reported the lowest mean postoperative VAS scores, whereas the placebo group had the highest. Initial variations in sedation scores converged in later time frames, with the placebo group consistently recording the lowest scores. Total rescue analgesia (tramadol) in the initial 24 hours was highest in the placebo group, followed by the gabapentin group, and lowest in the pregabalin group, with no significant variance. Conclusions: This study affirms the superiority of pre-operative oral pregabalin with IV paracetamol. It effectively prolongs the time to first rescue analgesia and reduces overall analgesic consumption post-lumbar spine surgery, compared to pre-operative oral gabapentin with IV paracetamol

Evaluation of the safety, efficacy and technical advantages of spinal anesthesia in patients undergoing single lower lumbar level minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion, as an alternative to general anesthesia: a prospective study

Background: In spinal anesthesia, patients experience shorter OT, quicker recovery and ambulation, better post-operative analgesia and fewer complications than general anesthesia. Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) shows fewer complications and early ambulation than open TLIF. Our study aims to assess spinal anesthesia’s safety, efficacy and technical benefits in MIS-TLIF. Methods: Patients unresponsive to conservative treatment for 6-8 weeks underwent MIS TLIF for lower lumbar degenerative pathologies. The demographic data, OT entry to incision time, blood loss, bandaging to exit from OT time, post anesthesia care unit (PACU) time, post-op complications, requirement of analgesia, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores, hospital stay, fusion rates and satisfaction scores were noted and assessed. Results: The study included a total of 200 patients undergoing MIS-TLIF with mean age being 54.32±10.36 years; mean surgery time being 165.23±21.41 minutes; and mean blood loss being 123.56±65.14 ml. The mean OT entry to incision time was 28.91±9.63 minutes, while the mean bandaging to exit time was 7.43±4.12 minutes. The mean PACU stay was 41.35±5.78 minutes. The mean hospital stay was 3.28±1.23 days, with 97% patients showing solid radiographic fusion while 92.5% patients were fully satisfied with the surgery. VAS and ODI scores were significantly improved as compared to the pre operative status. Conclusions: Spinal anesthesia for lower lumbar MIS-TLIF is cost effective and safe alternative to general anesthesia with lesser post operative pain and other side effects; taking into consideration proper patient selection for the same

Assessment of vitamin C supplementation as an adjuvant analgesic therapy and evaluating its efficacy in terms of clinical and functional outcomes in post-operative patients undergoing surgical decompression for prolapsed intervertebral lumbar disc

Background: Post-operative pain is one of the most debilitating condition following lumbar spine surgery, which negates the clinical and functional outcomes. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) due to its anti-oxidant, neuroprotective and neuromodulating properties; was evaluated to have adjuvant analgesic effects in these patients. Methods: This prospective study included 50 patients undergoing single level lumbar disectomy; randomly divided into group A (vitamin supplementation, n=25) and group B (no supplementation, n=25). Both the groups were evaluated on the follow ups for the clinical outcomes (visual analog scale-VAS score), functional outcomes (Oswestry disability index-ODI score) and total analgesia consumed. Results: Both the groups showed statistically significant improvements in clinical and functional outcomes with respect to pre-operative status. Group A showed statistically significant (p<0.05) improvement in VAS and ODI scores as compared to group B at 4th, 6th and 8th week follow up, however at 2nd and 12th week follow up the difference was found to be insignificant. Total analgesia consumed by group A patients was statistically lower than that consumed by group B patients. Conclusions: Vitamin C has analgesic effects in certain clinical conditions, thus reducing post-operative pain and improving the overall satisfaction and outcome of the surgery. It helps in bringing about the improvement in clinical as well as the functional outcome of the spine surgery and has an effective dose-sparing and adjuvant effect on the post-operative analgesia

Comparison of open reduction and internal fixation by lateral extensile approach versus minimal invasive percutaneous fixation (Essex Lopresti) for the management of Sanders type 2 and 3 calcaneum fractures: a prospective, two-arm, parallel group study

Background: Calcaneum is one of the most common tarsal bone to get fractured accounting for around 50-60% of all tarsal fractures. Due to lack of Indian studies comparing the outcomes of fracture calcaneus managed by operative methods of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) versus the percutaneous minimal invasive approach (Essex Lopresti); we decided to conduct one such study. Methods: Adult patients with intra-articular Sander type 2 and 3 calcaneum fractures, managed by ORIF or Essex Lopresti were enrolled. The clinical outcomes (VAS score for pain, range of motion), radiological outcomes (Bohler’s and Crucial angle of Gissane) and functional outcomes (American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) and Maryland foot score) were assessed at 6th month and 1-year post intervention and compared. Results: 117 patients managed with percutaneous fixation (n=63) or ORIF (n=54) were enrolled. Mean age of patients was 42.63±7.93 years. Mean VAS score was statistically comparable in both operative groups at 6th month and 1 year (p>0.05). Mean dorsiflexion and eversion angles were significantly higher in plating group at 6th month (p<0.05) while other movements were comparable in both the groups. Mean Bohler’s angle, Gissane’s angle, AOFAS and Maryland scores were found to be comparable in both groups (p>0.05) on follow-up. Both groups showed similar complications trend. Conclusions: Percutaneous fixation and plating methods were found to be comparable for calcaneus fracture management based on clinical, functional and radiological outcomes with similar complication rates

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of intravenous versus topical tranexamic acid in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty surgeries with respect to decreasing peri-operative blood loss and blood transfusion rates: a prospective and comparative study

Background: Synthetic antifibrinolytic agent like tranexamic acid has been increasingly used in Arthroplasty surgeries to decrease the peri-operative blood loss. The current study was undertaken to compare the efficacy between the intravenous and Topical route of TXA in deceasing the blood loss and transfusion rate in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty (THR and TKR) surgeries. Methods: A total of 120 patients were enrolled in the study with 60 each undergoing THR and TKR surgeries with 30 each given TXA in IV and Topical routes. Outcomes were assessed in terms of mean 24 hours drain output, mean blood loss, mean drop in hemoglobin blood transfusion rate. Results: The mean drain output was more in the IV group in both THR and TKR patients (p>0.05). The mean blood loss was more in the Topical group in both THR and TKR patients (p>0.05). The mean drop in hemoglobin was more in the Topical group, with the difference being significant in the THR patients (p<0.05) and being insignificant in TKR patients (p>0.05). In IV group 9 patients (15%) and in Topical group 25 patients (41.67%) needed blood transfusions, the difference being statistically significant. Conclusions: Both IV and Topical routes of TXA are equally effective in decreasing the peri-operative blood loss and transfusion rates in patients undergoing primary arthroplasty surgeries, with IV route having slightly upper hand as compared to the Topical route.

Chromosomal microarray testing in adults with intellectual disability presenting with comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Chromosomal copy-number variations (CNVs) are a class of genetic variants highly implicated in the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including intellectual disabilities (ID), schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Yet the majority of adults with idiopathic ID presenting to psychiatric services have not been tested for CNVs. We undertook genome-wide chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) of 202 adults with idiopathic ID recruited from community and in-patient ID psychiatry services across England. CNV pathogenicity was assessed using standard clinical diagnostic methods and participants underwent comprehensive medical and psychiatric phenotyping. We found an 11% yield of likely pathogenic CNVs (22/202). CNVs at recurrent loci, including the 15q11-q13 and 16p11.2-p13.11 regions were most frequently observed. We observed an increased frequency of 16p11.2 duplications compared with those reported in single-disorder cohorts. CNVs were also identified in genes known to effect neurodevelopment, namely NRXN1 and GRIN2B. Furthermore deletions at 2q13, 12q21.2-21.31 and 19q13.32, and duplications at 4p16.3, 13q32.3-33.3 and Xq24-25 were observed. Routine CMA in ID psychiatry could uncover ~11% new genetic diagnoses with potential implications for patient management. We advocate greater consideration of CMA in the assessment of adults with idiopathic ID presenting to psychiatry services