Development of an occult metric for common motor vehicle crash injuries – biomed 2013.

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Development of an occult metric for common motor vehicle crash injuries - biomed 2013.

Biomed Sci Instrum. 2013;49:274-80

Authors: Schoell SL, Weaver AA, Stitzel JD

Abstract
Detection of occult injuries, which are not easily recognized and are life-threatening, in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) is crucial in order to reduce fatalities. An Occult Injury Database (OID) was previously developed by the Center for Transportation Injury Research (CenTIR) using the National Automotive Sampling System Crashworthiness Data System (NASS-CDS) 1997-2001 which identified occult and non-occult head, thorax, and abdomen injuries. The objective of the current work was to develop an occult injury model based on underlying injury characteristics to derive an Occult Score for common MVC-induced injuries. A multiple logistic regression model was developed utilizing six injury parameters to generate a probability formula which assigned an Occult Score for each injury. The model was applied to a list of 240 injuries comprising the top 95 percent of injuries occurring in NASS-CDS 2000-2011. The parameters in the model included a continuous Cause MRR/year variable indicating the annual proportion of occupants sustaining a given injury whose cause of death was attributed to that injury. The categorical variables in the model were AIS 2-3 vs. 4-6, laceration, hemorrhage/hematoma, contusion, and intracranial. Results indicated that injuries with a low Cause MRR/year and AIS severity of 4-6 had an increased likelihood of being occult. In addition, the presence of a laceration, hemorrhage/hematoma, contusion, or intracranial injury also increased the likelihood of an injury being occult. The Occult Score ranges from zero to one with a threshold of 0.5 as the discriminator of an occult injury. Of the considered injuries, it was determined that 54% of head, 26% of thorax, and 23% of abdominal injuries were occult injuries. No occult injuries were identified in the face, spine, upper extremity, or lower extremity body regions. The Occult Score generated can be useful in advanced automatic crash notification research and for the detection of serious occult injuries in MVCs requiring prompt treatment at a trauma center.

PMID: 23686210 [PubMed - in process]

Intradural extramedullary benign spinal lesions radiosurgery. Medium- to long-term results from a single institution experience.

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Intradural extramedullary benign spinal lesions radiosurgery. Medium- to long-term results from a single institution experience.

Acta Neurochir (Wien). 2013 May 18;

Authors: Marchetti M, De Martin E, Milanesi I, Fariselli L

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Surgery represents the first-choice treatment for spinal intradural tumours. On the other hand, whether it is most appropriate in the setting of recurrences, residual or multiple lesions remains an open question. Moreover, some patients are less than ideal candidates for surgery. In this study we report about our own radiosurgery experience in the treatment of benign intradural extramedullary tumours of the spine. METHODS: In our study we analyzed the outcomes for 18 patients (21 lesions) treated for benign intradural extramedullary lesions, with a minimum follow-up period of 32 months. The lesions included 11 meningiomas, 9 schwannomas and 1 neurofibroma. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 43 months (32-73 months). The median tumour volume was 2 cc (0.2-17.7 cc). Eleven lesions underwent single-fraction treatment (mean prescribed dose ranging from 10 to 13 Gy). The others received a multisession radiosurgery treatment (4-6 fractions) with a mean prescription dose ranging from 18.5 to 25 Gy. The maximum dose to the spinal cord ranged from 9.2 to 26 Gy. During the follow-up period, none of the lesions showed radiological evidence of progression. Neurological status was preserved or improved and no permanent sequelae were observed. Significant and durable pain relief was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical excision remains the primary treatment option for most intradural tumours, radiosurgery offers a real alternative therapeutic modality, especially in case of recurrent and residual lesions or when surgery is contraindicated.

PMID: 23686634 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Knee joint passive stiffness and moment in sagittal and frontal planes markedly increase with compression.

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Knee joint passive stiffness and moment in sagittal and frontal planes markedly increase with compression.

Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin. 2013 May 20;

Authors: Marouane H, Shirazi-Adl A, Adouni M

Abstract
Knee joints are subject to large compression forces in daily activities. Due to artefact moments and instability under large compression loads, biomechanical studies impose additional constraints to circumvent the compression position-dependency in response. To quantify the effect of compression on passive knee moment resistance and stiffness, two validated finite element models of the tibiofemoral (TF) joint, one refined with depth-dependent fibril-reinforced cartilage and the other less refined with homogeneous isotropic cartilage, are used. The unconstrained TF joint response in sagittal and frontal planes is investigated at different flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30° and 45°) up to 1800 N compression preloads. The compression is applied at a novel joint mechanical balance point (MBP) identified as a point at which the compression does not cause any coupled rotations in sagittal and frontal planes. The MBP of the unconstrained joint is located at the lateral plateau in small compressions and shifts medially towards the inter-compartmental area at larger compression forces. The compression force substantially increases the joint moment-bearing capacities and instantaneous angular rigidities in both frontal and sagittal planes. The varus-valgus laxities diminish with compression preloads despite concomitant substantial reductions in collateral ligament forces. While the angular rigidity would enhance the joint stability, the augmented passive moment resistance under compression preloads plays a role in supporting external moments and should as such be considered in the knee joint musculoskeletal models.

PMID: 23682906 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Dimensionality of the Knee Numeric-Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES-ACL): A condition-specific questionnaire.

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Dimensionality of the Knee Numeric-Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES-ACL): A condition-specific questionnaire.

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2013 May 20;

Authors: Comins JD, Krogsgaard MR, Kreiner S, Brodersen J

Abstract
The benefit of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction has been questioned based on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Valid interpretation of such results requires confirmation of the psychometric properties of the PROM. Rasch analysis is the gold standard for validation of PROMs, yet PROMs used for ACL reconstruction have not been validated using Rasch analysis. We used Rasch analysis to investigate the psychometric properties of the Knee Numeric-Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES-ACL), a newly developed PROM for patients treated for ACL deficiency. Two-hundred forty-two patients pre- and post-ACL reconstruction completed the pilot PROM. Rasch models were used to assess the psychometric properties (e.g., unidimensionality, local response dependency, and differential item functioning). Forty-one items distributed across seven unidimensional constructs measuring impairment, functional limitations, and psychosocial consequences were confirmed to fit Rasch models. Fourteen items were removed because of statistical lack of fit and inadequate face validity. Local response dependency and differential item functioning were identified and adjusted. The KNEES-ACL is the first Rasch-validated condition-specific PROM constructed for patients with ACL deficiency and patients with ACL reconstruction. Thus, this instrument can be used for within- and between-group comparisons.

PMID: 23682990 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Development of the Knee Numeric-Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES – ACL): A condition-specific questionnaire.

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Development of the Knee Numeric-Entity Evaluation Score (KNEES - ACL): A condition-specific questionnaire.

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2013 May 20;

Authors: Comins JD, Krogsgaard MR, Brodersen J

Abstract
Patient-related outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to gauge treatment effects in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Valid measures of specific conditions depend on relevant item content. While item content can be derived either from clinicians (face validity) or from patients, item relevance and comprehensiveness can only be confirmed by the patient (content validity). Focus group and single interviews were conducted with patients' pre- and post-ACL reconstruction in order to construct a condition-specific PROM for the target patients. One hundred fifty-seven items from a previously conducted literature search were used as a basis for content genesis. Content saturation was achieved after three focus groups and seven single interviews. Thirty-eight items from the literature search were directly endorsed, and five modified items were endorsed. Twelve new item themes with verbatim content emerged. Thus, a 55-item pilot PROM consisting of six conceptual domains was assembled. We have constructed a condition-specific PROM for measurement of surgical and non-surgical treatment effects on ACL deficiency. The instrument possesses face and content validity. A pilot survey to assess the psychometric properties will be performed using Rasch measurement theory.

PMID: 23683035 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Clinical value of routine use of thin-section 3D MRI using 3D FSE sequences with a variable flip angle technique for internal derangements of the knee joint at 3T.

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Clinical value of routine use of thin-section 3D MRI using 3D FSE sequences with a variable flip angle technique for internal derangements of the knee joint at 3T.

Magn Reson Imaging. 2013 May 15;

Authors: Kudo H, Inaoka T, Kitamura N, Nakatsuka T, Kasuya S, Kasai R, Tozawa M, Nakagawa K, Terada H

Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the clinical value of routine use of thin-section 3D MRI using 3D FSE sequences with a variable flip angle technique for internal derangements of the knee joint at 3T. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Thirty-four knees in 34 patients suspected of having internal derangements of the knee joint were included. Following standard 2D MRI protocol including sagittal PDWI, T1WI and T2*WI, coronal fat-suppressed PDWI, and axial fat-suppressed PDWI with 3-4mm thicknesses, fat-suppressed and water-excitation PDWI using 3D FSE sequences with a variable flip angle technique with 0.6mm thickness were obtained in coronal plane and the three major planes with 1mm thickness (3D MRI) was reformatted. The standard 2D MRI protocol and reformatted 3D MRI protocol (three sagittal 2D sequence images plus 3D MRI) were independently analyzed by two radiologists concerning presence or absence of lesions in the menisci, cartilage, and ligament. Interobserver agreements in both the MRI protocols were assessed by weighted-kappa coefficients. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (Az values) of both the MRI protocols were compared. RESULTS: Thirty-eight meniscal lesions, 39 cartilage lesions, and 20 ligamentous lesions were surgically detected. Excellent interobserver agreements (kappa=0.91-0.98) were seen in both the MRI protocols, with a slightly better tendency in the reformatted 3D MRI protocol. Average Az values in detection of the meniscal, cartilage, and ligamentous lesions were significantly higher in the reformatted 3D MRI protocol than in the standard 2D MRI protocol (p<0.01 or p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Routine use of reformatted thin-section 3D MRI using 3D FSE sequences with a variable flip angle technique may improve diagnostic accuracy and confidence in detection of internal derangements of the knee joint.

PMID: 23684241 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Transcription factor Mohawk and the pathogenesis of human anterior cruciate ligament degradation.

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Transcription factor Mohawk and the pathogenesis of human anterior cruciate ligament degradation.

Arthritis Rheum. 2013 May 17;

Authors: Nakahara H, Hasegawa A, Otabe K, Ayabe F, Matsukawa T, Onizuka N, Ito Y, Ozaki T, Lotz MK, Asahara H

Abstract
Objective. To investigate the expression and function of Mohawk (MKX) in human adult anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tissues and ligament cells from normal and osteoarthritis-affected knees. Methods. Knee joints were obtained at autopsy within 24-48 hours postmortem from 13 normal donors (age 36.9±11.0 years), 16 OA donors (age 79.7±11.4 years) and 8 old donors without OA (age 76.9±12.9 years). All cartilage surfaces were graded macroscopically. MKX expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. ACL-derived cells were used to study regulation of MKX expression by IL-1?. MKX was knocked down by siRNA to analyze function of MKX in extracellular matrix (ECM) production and differentiation in ACL-derived cells. Results. The expression of MKX was significantly decreased in ACL-derived cells from OA knees compared with normal knees. Consistent with this finding, immunohistochemistry showed that MKX positive cells were significantly reduced in ACL tissues from OA donors in particular in cells located in disorientated fibers. In ACL-derived cells, IL-1? strongly suppressed MKX gene expression and reduced ligament ECM genes, COL1A1 and TNXB. On the other hand, SOX9, chondrocyte master transcription factor, was up regulated by IL-1? treatment. Importantly, knock down of MKX expression by siRNA upregulated SOX9 expression in ACL-derived cells, whereas the expression of COL1A1 and TNXB were decreased. Conclusion. Reduced expression of MKX is a feature of degenerated ACL in OA-affected joints and this may be in part mediated by IL-1?. MKX appears necessary to maintain the tissue specific cellular differentiation status and ECM production in adult human tendons and ligaments. © 2013 American College of Rheumatology.

PMID: 23686683 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesis: from the office worker to the elite overhead athlete.

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Rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesis: from the office worker to the elite overhead athlete.

Br J Sports Med. 2013 May 18;

Authors: Cools AM, Struyf F, De Mey K, Maenhout A, Castelein B, Cagnie B

Abstract
The scapula functions as a bridge between the shoulder complex and the cervical spine and plays a very important role in providing both mobility and stability of the neck/shoulder region. The association between abnormal scapular positions and motions and glenohumeral joint pathology has been well established in the literature, whereas studies investigating the relationship between neck pain and scapular dysfunction have only recently begun to emerge. Although several authors have emphasised the relevance of restoring normal scapular kinematics through exercise and manual therapy techniques, overall scapular rehabilitation guidelines decent for both patients with shoulder pain as well as patients with neck problems are lacking. The purpose of this paper is to provide a science-based clinical reasoning algorithm with practical guidelines for the rehabilitation of scapular dyskinesis in patients with chronic complaints in the upper quadrant.

PMID: 23687006 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Revision of Ceramic Head Fracture After Third Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty.

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Revision of Ceramic Head Fracture After Third Generation Ceramic-on-Ceramic Total Hip Arthroplasty.

J Arthroplasty. 2013 May 14;

Authors: Koo KH, Ha YC, Kim SY, Yoon KS, Min BW, Kim SR

Abstract
We performed 24 revisions of fractures of third generation ceramic heads. The stem was not changed in 20 revisions; a new ceramic-on-ceramic bearing was used in four and a metal-on-polyethylene bearing in 16. The stem was changed in four revisions; a new ceramic-on-ceramic bearing was used in three and a metal-on-polyethylene bearing in one. During the follow-up of 57.5months, complications occurred in five hips among the 20 stem retained revisions: a fracture of the new ceramic head in two, metallosis with pseudocyst in two, and femoral osteolysis with stem loosening in one. However, there were no complications in the four revisions where the stem was changed. Revision surgery after ceramic head fracture shows high rates of early complications. We recommend stem revision in cases of THA failure due to fracture of a modern ceramic head.

PMID: 23683525 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Teriparatide and denosumab, alone or combined, in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: the DATA study randomised trial.

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Teriparatide and denosumab, alone or combined, in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis: the DATA study randomised trial.

Lancet. 2013 May 14;

Authors: Tsai JN, Uihlein AV, Lee H, Kumbhani R, Siwila-Sackman E, McKay EA, Burnett-Bowie SA, Neer RM, Leder BZ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis medications increase bone-mineral density (BMD) and lower but do not eliminate fracture risk. The combining of anabolic agents with bisphosphonates has not improved efficacy. We compared combined teriparatide and denosumab with both agents alone. METHODS: From September, 2009, to January, 2011, we enrolled postmenopausal women with osteoporosis into this randomised, controlled trial. Patients were assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 20 ?g teriparatide daily, 60 mg denosumab every 6 months, or both. BMD was measured at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months. Women who completed at least one study visit after baseline were assessed in a modified intention-to-treat analysis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00926380. FINDINGS: 94 (94%) of 100 eligible women completed at least one study visit after baseline. At 12 months, posterior-anterior lumbar spine BMD increased more in the combination group (9·1%, [SD 3·9]) than in the teriparatide (6·2% [4·6], p=0·0139) or denosumab (5·5% [3·3], p=0·0005) groups. Femoral-neck BMD also increased more in the combination group (4·2% [3·0]) than in the teriparatide (0·8% [4·1], p=0·0007) and denosumab (2·1% [3·8], p=0·0238) groups, as did total-hip BMD (combination, 4·9% [2·9]; teriparatide, 0·7% [2·7], p<0·0001; denosumab 2·5% [2·6], p=0·0011). INTERPRETATION: Combined teriparatide and denosumab increased BMD more than either agent alone and more than has been reported with approved therapies. Combination treatment might, therefore, be useful to treat patients at high risk of fracture. FUNDING: Amgen, Eli Lilly, National Center for Research Resources.

PMID: 23683600 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]