WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Peer reviewe

Should paediatricians initiate orthopaedic hip dysplasia referrals for infants with isolated asymmetric skin folds?

PurposeAsymmetric skin folds (ASFs) have been linked to developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in select studies, leading to their inclusion in paediatric practice guidelines regarding orthopaedic referral for hip evaluation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of isolated ASFs as a screening tool for DDH in a series of patient referrals evaluated at a single institution.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients between 0 and 12 months of age referred to orthopaedic clinics for isolated ASFs. We recorded radiographic findings (acetabular inclination or alpha angle), diagnosis rendered and treatment administered.ResultsA total of 66 patients were included (mean age 6.4 months; 2.47 to 10.76). All patients received pelvic radiographs or ultrasound. In all, 36 patients (55%) were considered normal by their treating physician and 25 (38%) were considered dysplastic and underwent brace treatment. One hip with an isolated ASF was found to have a dislocated hip on radiograph prior to their initial orthopaedic visit. None of the patients in this study have required surgery to date.ConclusionUsing ASFs as a reason for referral led to increased diagnosis of mild dysplasia resulting in orthotic treatment. Thus, in our particular clinical environment, isolated ASFs can be an indicator of mild dysplasia and warrant further workup or referral. Because treatment philosophies regarding recognition and treatment of mild dysplasia vary amongst centres, the value of screening with ASFs likewise depends on the treating orthopaedic surgeon's threshold for treatment of mild dysplasia.Level of evidenceLevel IV- Retrospective

Hip-sparing approach using computer navigation in periacetabular chondrosarcoma

<p>Chondrosarcoma of the pelvis is difficult to treat due to the anatomical location and the high incidence of recurrence. Treatment is primarily surgical, and the surgical margins, based on MSTS criteria, have been shown to be predictive of disease recurrence and mortality. However, too-wide margins can decrease post-operative function. In the presented case, computer assisted surgery (CAS) was used to safely enable a joint-salvaging approach in a modified type 2/3 resection of a grade 2 chondrosarcoma of the os ischium and os pubis. The CAS navigation was vital to achieving the desired safe margins. The current follow-up period is 3.5 years, and the patient is disease-free, with no local recurrences or metastases having been detected. Post-operative function is excellent, with good MSTS and SF36 scores. This outcome is a good example of the value of CAS in certain cases.</p>

Actin nucleation: bacteria get in-Spired

Spir proteins nucleate actin polymerization by assembling a linear actin oligomer along a cluster of four actin-binding WH2 domains, and this process is enhanced by formins of the Cappuccino family. The discovery of Spir-like proteins in bacteria indicates that pathogens have adopted this mechanism to manipulate the host actin cytoskeleton