A Minimally Invasive Robotic Tissue Palpation Device

OBJECTIVE

Robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery remains limited by the absence of haptic feedback, which surgeons routinely rely on to assess tissue stiffness. This limitation hinders surgeons' ability to identify and treat abnormal tissues, such as tumors, during robotic surgery.

METHODS

To address this challenge, we developed a robotic tissue palpation device capable of rapidly and non-invasively quantifying the stiffness of soft tissues, allowing surgeons to make objective and data-driven decisions during minimally invasive procedures. We evaluated the effectiveness of our device by measuring the stiffness of phantoms as well as lung, heart, liver, and skin tissues obtained from both rats and swine.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that our device can accurately determine tissue stiffness and identify tumor mimics. Specifically, in swine lung, we determined elastic modulus (E) values of 9.1 ± 2.3, 16.8 ± 1.8, and 26.0 ± 3.6 kPa under different internal pressure of the lungs (PIP) of 2, 25, and 45 cmH2O, respectively. Using our device, we successfully located a 2-cm tumor mimic embedded at a depth of 5 mm in the lung subpleural region. Additionally, we measured E values of 33.0 ± 5.4, 19.2 ± 2.2, 33.5 ± 8.2, and 22.6 ± 6.0 kPa for swine heart, liver, abdominal skin, and muscle, respectively, which closely matched existing literature data.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

Results suggest that our robotic palpation device can be utilized during surgery, either as a stand-alone or additional tool integrated into existing robotic surgical systems, to enhance treatment outcomes by enabling accurate intraoperative identification of abnormal tissue.

Static palpation ain't easy: Evaluating palpation precision using a topographical map of the lumbar spine as a reference

INTRODUCTION

Clinicians commonly use manual therapy to treat low back pain by palpating the spine to identify the spinous processes. This study aims to evaluate the ability of experienced clinicians to consistently locate the spinous processes from S1 to T12 through palpation. The results will be compared to topographical data representing the lumbar lordosis at baseline and four follow-up time points.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prior prospective randomized trial, experienced clinicians used palpation to locate the lumbar spinous processes (S1-T12) and then digitized these locations in three-dimensional space. The same digitizing equipment was then used to continuously collect three-dimensional position data of a wheel that rolled along the back's surface through a trajectory that connected the previously digitized locations of the spinous processes. This process was repeated at 4 days, 1, 4, and 12 weeks. The resulting lordosis trajectories were plotted and aligned using the most anterior point in the lordosis to compare the locations of the spinous processes identified in different trials. This way, spinous palpation points could be compared to surface topography over time. Intra- and interrater reliability and agreement were estimated using intraclass correlations of agreement and Bland-Altman limits of agreement.

RESULTS

Five clinicians palpated a total of 119 participants. The results showed a large degree of variation in precision estimates, with a mean total value of 13 mm (95%CI = 11;15). This precision error was consistent across all time points. The smallest precision error was found at L5, followed by S1 File, after which the error increased superiorly. Intra- and interrater reliability was poor to moderate.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison of palpation results to a topographic standard representing the lumbar lordosis is a new approach for evaluating palpation. Our results confirm the results of prior studies that find palpation of lumbar spinous processes imprecise, even for experienced clinicians.

Ultrasound-Guided Radial Artery Puncture by Nurses in Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Study

INTRODUCTION

Radial artery puncture has been performed by palpation as a standard method in many emergency departments and intensive care units. Nurses play an important role in the care of patients in various settings. Ultrasonography can be performed and interpreted not only by physicians but also by nurses. This study aimed to evaluate whether emergency nurses would be more successful in radial artery puncture procedure by using ultrasonography instead of palpation.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in the emergency department. The patients included in the study were randomized into 2 groups as ultrasonography and palpation groups. Data were recorded on the number of interventions, the duration of the procedure in seconds, total time in seconds, whether the puncture was successfully placed, whether there were complications, the types of complications (hematoma, bleeding, and infection), or whether it was necessary to switch to an alternative technique.

RESULTS

A total of 72 patients, 36 patients in the ultrasonography group and 36 patients in the palpation group, participated in the study. The success rate at the first attempt was statistically significantly higher in the ultrasonography group. Although hematoma formation among the complications occurred in the entire palpation group, it was observed in 72.2% of the ultrasonography group. Puncture time and total time were statistically significantly lower in the ultrasonography group.

DISCUSSION

Our study shows that emergency nurses can use bedside ultrasonography for radial artery puncture successfully.

Comparison of force profiles from two musculoskeletal palpation methods: A methodological study

BACKGROUND

The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol recommends a 5 s and 1 kg force dynamic palpation around the lateral condylar pole of the temporomandibular joint. However, the accuracy and precision of the generated force are not known.

OBJECTIVE

To assess and compare the force profiles generated from dynamic palpation manually and using a palpometer, based on the forces and time recommendations suggested by the DC/TMD protocol.

METHODS

Nineteen healthy adults applied forces of 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg and 2.0 kg on a calibrated force sensor in a circular motion within target times of 2 s and 5 s. Participants used their right index finger for manual palpation and a calibrated palpometer for device-assisted palpation. Ten repetitions of each target force at both target times were applied. Time taken to complete each application was recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for analysis of accuracy measured as the relative difference between targeted force and actual force values and precision measured as the coefficient of variation (CV) within the 10 repeated measurements.

RESULTS

Accuracy was significantly lower (better) and precision higher (lower CV) with the palpometer than with manual palpation (p < .001). There were significant differences in accuracy and precision between the different forces but not palpation times. Most participants could not achieve the target times and tended to be faster, irrespective of the palpation method (p > .063).

CONCLUSION

A palpometer is a more accurate and precise palpation method for dynamic force assessment compared to manual palpation; however, it remains difficult to standardize the palpation duration.

Routine preprocedural ultrasound in palpation versus ultrasound guided radial access for cardiac catheterization

BACKGROUND

The radial first approach in cardiac catheterization is preferred for its benefits in patient comfort and recovery time. Yet, challenges persist due to characteristics like small, deep, calcified, and mobile radial arteries. Utilizing ultrasound before and during procedures can improve success rates. However, the adoption of its use is still limited and subject to debate.

AIM

To utilize routine preprocedural ultrasound (US) and compare US guided with palpation guided radial access, focusing on operator efficiency and outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Consenting adult patients undergoing elective radial cardiac catheterization were divided into palpation and US groups. Routine preprocedural assessment of radial artery characteristics was performed using handheld US. Baseline data, US findings, procedural outcomes, and clinical outcomes were compared in 182 participants (91 in each group). US guided radial access had significantly higher first pass success rates (76.92% vs. 49.45%, p 0.0001), fewer number of attempts (1.46 ± 1 vs. 1.99 ± 1.46, p 0.004), and shorter amount of time (93.62 ± 44.04 vs. 120.44 ± 67.1, p 0.002) compared with palpation guidance. The palpation group had significantly higher incidence of spasm (15.38% vs. 3.3%, p 0.0052). Subgroup analysis indicated consistent benefits of US guidance, especially in calcified radial arteries.

CONCLUSION

This prospective, nonrandomized, single-center study demonstrated that real-time procedural US improved the operator's time and effort and enhanced patient comfort compared with palpation. US guidance use was particularly favorable in the presence of calcifications observed on baseline preoperative US.

Ultrasound-assisted bony landmark palpation in untrained palpators

CONTEXT

Medical students with no previous experience may find it difficult to identify and palpate bony landmarks while learning physical examination skills. In a study of 168 medical schools, 72.6 % have indicated that they are utilizing ultrasound in their curriculum. Although the integration of ultrasound curriculum has become more widespread, the depth of instruction is inconsistent. Ultrasound is not commonly taught in conjunction with palpation of bony landmarks in osteopathic structural examination.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this analysis was to identify whether utilizing ultrasound assistance in teaching palpation of specific thoracic vertebral bony landmarks would improve palpation accuracy in first-year medical students with no previous palpatory experience.

METHODS

First-year medical students were given video instructions to palpate and identify a thoracic vertebral transverse process and to mark it with invisible ink. The participants were then taught and instructed to utilize ultrasound to identify the same landmark and mark it with a different color. The accuracy of palpation was measured with digital calipers.

RESULTS

A test of the overall hypothesis that participants will show improved accuracy utilizing ultrasound compared with hand palpation was not significant (F=0.76, p>0.05). When separating students into groups according to patient body mass index (BMI), however, there was a trend toward significance (F=2.90, p=0.071) for an interaction effect between patient BMI and the repeated measures variable of palpation/ultrasound. When looking specifically at only those participants working with a normal BMI patient, there was a significant improvement in their accuracy with the use of ultrasound (F=7.92, p=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis found increased accuracy in bony landmark identification in untrained palpators utilizing ultrasound vs. palpation alone in a normal BMI model, but not in obese or overweight BMI models. This study shows promise to the value that ultrasound may have in medical education, especially with respect to early palpation training and landmark identification.

The accurate identification of the percutaneous tracheostomy insertion site using digital palpation in children

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) may be required frequently in long-term ventilated intensive care patients. Although the overall risks are low, serious complications may occur, especially in children. Hence, this study aimed to assess physician accuracy in identifying PT insertion sites by digital palpation in children aged between 5 and 13 years.

METHODS

Participants were asked to identify the needle entry point (interspace between 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th tracheal rings) for PT using digital palpation. Then, a single operator scanned the neck of each child with a linear high-frequency transducer. An accurate estimation was defined as a mark made between the upper and lower borders of the tracheal rings within the midline.

RESULTS

In the study including 104 patients, the PT insertion site was accurately identified with digital palpation in a total of 50.9% of patients, compared with sonographic findings. The time required to determine the PT entry point by USG was longer than the palpation technique (114.7 vs. 43.8 s, P<0.001). The mean distance between the entry points of both methods was 4.53±2.03 mm. The majority of inaccurate assessments (45%) was above the 2nd tracheal ring. The lower the skin-to-air-mucosal interface distance, the higher the success of the PT entry point detection with the digital palpation method. A one-unit increase in body mass index was related to increasing the risk of failure by 1.1 times (P=0.030).

CONCLUSION

Significant physician inaccuracy exists in PT insertion sites in children aged between 5 and 13 years, especially as BMI increases. Pre-procedural USG may help identify the landmarks for PT.

A comparison of the success rate of radial artery cannulation between the ultrasound-guided and conventional palpation techniques in elderly patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound-guided (USG) radial artery cannulation against the standard palpation technique increases the first attempt rate in both pediatric and adult patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of USG versus the palpation technique in improving the first attempt rate in elderly patients.

METHODS

The patients over 65 years of age were randomized to the USG or Palpation group. The radial artery identification in the USG group was performed with the aid of the Sonimage HS 1. In the Palpation group, the radial artery was identified by manual palpation. The operators were cardiothoracic anesthesiologists. Overall success was defined as cannulation completed within 10 min.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (40 in each group) were recruited. The respective first attempt and overall success rate for the USG group were similar to the Palpation group (P &gt; 0.999 and P = 0.732). The time to the first attempt and overall success were also similar (P = 0.075 and P = 0.636). The number of attempts, number of catheters used, and failure rates were similar between the groups (P = 0.935, P = 0.938, and P = 0.723). The number of successful cannulations within 10 min was similar for both the groups as categorized by the radial artery diameter (P = 0.169).

CONCLUSIONS

The USG did not increase the first attempt or overall success rate of radial artery cannulation in the elderly patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery. The time to first attempt and overall success were similar between both the groups. The number of attempts and number of catheters used were similar between both groups.

Arterial Cannulation Simulation Training in Novice Ultrasound Users

BACKGROUND

Arterial cannulation is an important procedure for hemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling. Traditional radial artery cannulation is performed by using anatomical knowledge and pulse palpation as a guide. Arterial cannulation using ultrasound (US) requires specific training, especially for new US users. We hypothesized that even for new US users, US guidance would facilitate the successful puncture by lower attempts before successful intraluminal cannulation of a simulation model of the radial artery.

METHODS

A prospective randomized controlled crossover study was conducted with new US users on a gelatin phantom wrist. Three sessions of training were proposed: US-guided technique with low blood pressure (BP), palpation-guided technique with high BP, and one secondary comparison with low BP. For the 2 first sessions, all volunteers performed each technique but not in the same order. The main criterion was the number of attempts before successful catheterization of the model artery. A secondary criterion was the number of needle movements (the number of attempts plus the number of needle directional changes).

RESULTS

Twenty new US users participated in the study. Numbers of attempts before successful catheterization were significantly lower when using the US technique: 1.1 (± 0.4) for US versus 1.6 (± 0.8) for palpation high BP (P = .02) versus 2.5 (± 1.4) for the secondary comparison, palpation low BP (P < .001). All of the participants achieved success after the 12th needle movement for US technique, after the 19th needle movement for palpation high BP, and after the 25th needle movement for the secondary comparison, palpation low BP. The total time before success was not significantly different between the 2 first sequences (US vs palpation high BP).

CONCLUSIONS

US technique was more successful than traditional palpation technique for novice US users performing arterial cannulations for the first time. A study in the clinical practice is needed to confirm these results.

Anatomic Characteristics of the Adolescent Cricothyroid Membrane on Computed Tomography Scans

BACKGROUND

The cricothyroid membrane (CTM) is the most important anatomic structure when performing emergency front-of-neck access (FONA) procedures. Adolescence is a period of rapid morphologic change in laryngeal structures, including the CTM. We hypothesized that the adolescent CTM would be sufficiently different from pediatric or adult anatomy to merit special consideration in FONA.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to define the procedurally relevant CTM anatomy in an adolescent population.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study composed of patients who underwent a diagnostic computed tomography scan during routine clinical care. Inclusion criteria were ages 16 to 19 years and a computed tomography of the neck with or without contrast. The primary outcome was CTM height measured in the midsagittal plane using electronic calipers.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-four imaging studies met inclusion criteria. The average CTM height was strongly associated with age and ranged between 5.4 and 6.2 mm in male adolescents and 4.6 and 5.8 mm in female adolescents. We predicted that standard cuffed endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes recommended for FONA procedures (5.0- and 6.0-mm devices) could potentially fail for most patients in our cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

The adolescent CTM is smaller than previously recognized. We recommend having a variety of equipment sizes readily available at any site where airway management in adolescents may occur.

Inter-rater Accuracy and Reliability of a Palpation Protocol of the C7 Spinous Process Comprising a Combination of 3 Traditional Palpation Techniques

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and intrarater reliability of a palpatory protocol based on a combination of 3 palpatory methods to identify both the C7 spinous process (C7 SP) and the factors that affect the errors and inaccuracy of palpation.

METHODS

Twenty-five women between the ages of 18 and 60 years were submitted to a palpation protocol of the C7 SP, and a radiopaque marker was fixed on the skin at the possible location of the vertebrae. A radiograph and a photograph of the cervical spine were obtained in the same posture by a first rater. A second rater performed the same palpation protocol and took a second photograph. The accuracy and measurement error of the palpation protocol of C7 SP were assessed through radiographic images. The inter-rater reliability was estimated by the interclass correlation coefficient and assessed using photographs of each rater. The Pearson's correlation coefficients (r), the Fisher exact test, and the χ² test were used to identify the factors associated with the error and inaccuracy of palpation.

RESULTS

Accuracy of the C7 palpation was 76% with excellent reliability (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.99). There was a moderate correlation between weight and the measurement of palpation error (r = -0.6; P = .003). One hundred percent of inaccuracy palpation was related to the increased soft-tissue thickness (P = .005) in the cervical region.

CONCLUSION

The palpation protocol described in this study was accurate and presented excellent reliability in identifying the C7 SP. Increased weight and dorsocervical fat pad were associated to error and palpation inaccuracy, respectively.

Diagnostic accuracy of palpation versus ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy for diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Thyroid nodule is a common health problem in endocrinology. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology performed by palpation guided FNAB (PGFNAB) and ultrasound-guided FNAB (USGFNAB) are the preferred examinations for the diagnosis of thyroid cancer and part of the integration of the current thyroid nodule assessment. Although studies have shown USGFNAB to be more accurate than PGFNAB, inconsistencies from several studies and clinical guidelines still exist.The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of Palpation versus Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in diagnosing malignancy of thyroid nodules.The systematic review and meta-analysis were prepared based on the PRISMA standards. Literature searches were carried out on three online databases (Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Proquest) and grey literatures. Data extraction was carried out manually from various studies that met the eligibility, followed by analysis to obtain pooled data on sensitivity, specificity, Diagnostic Odds Ratio (DOR) and Area Under Curve (AUC), and the comparison of the two methods.Total of 2517 articles were obtained, with 11 studies were included in this systematic review. The total sample was 2382, including 1128 subjects using PGFNAB and 1254 subjects using USGFNAB. The risk of bias was assessed using QUADAS-2 with mild-moderate results. The results of sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR in diagnosing thyroid nodules using PGFNAB were 76% (95% CI, 49-89%), 77% (95% CI, 56-95%), 0.827 and 11.6 (95% CI, 6-21) respectively. The results of sensitivity, specificity, AUC and DOR in diagnosing thyroid nodules using USGFNAB were 90% (95% CI, 81-95%), 80% (95% CI, 66-89%), 0.92 and 40 (95% CI, 23-69), respectively the results of the comparison test between PGFNAB and USGFNAB; Tsens USGFNAB of 0.99 (p = 0.023), AUC difference test of 0.093 (p = 0.000023).The diagnostic accuracy of USGFNAB is higher than PGFNAB in diagnosing malignancy of thyroid nodules. If it is accessible, the author recommends using USGFNAB as a diagnostic tool for thyroid nodules.

Accuracy of Palpation Procedures for Locating the C1 Transverse Process and Masseter Muscle as Confirmed by Computed Tomography Images

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of palpation methods for locating the transverse processes of the first cervical vertebra and masseter muscle using radiographic images as the gold-standard method and the association between personal characteristics with the observed accuracy.

METHODS

This was a single-blinded, diagnostic accuracy study. Ninety-five participants (49 women, 58 ± 16 years of age) were enrolled in this study. A single examiner palpated the neck and face region of all participants to identify the transverse processes of the first cervical vertebra and masseter muscles bilaterally. In sequence, participants underwent a multislice computed tomography scan for assessment of the superimposed inner body structure. Two radiologists assessed the computed tomography images using the same criteria and were blinded regarding each other's assessment and the anatomic landmarks under investigation. The palpation accuracy was calculated as the proportion of the correctly identified landmarks in the studied sample. The correlation of the palpation outcome (correct = 1; incorrect = 0) with age, sex (male = 1; female = 0), and body mass index was investigated using the point-biserial correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The right and left transverse processes were correctly located in 76 (80%) and 81 (85%) participants, respectively, and bilaterally in 157 events (83%), as evaluated by the consensus of the 2 radiologists. The masseter muscles were correctly localized bilaterally in 95 of 95 (100%) participants. Body mass showed statistical evidence of a weak, positive correlation with the correct location of the transverse processes of the first cervical vertebra at the right body side (r = .219; 95% confidence interval, 0.018-0.403; P = .033).

CONCLUSION

Palpation methods used in this study accurately identified the location of the first cervical vertebra spinous processes and the masseter muscles.

Robotic Simulators for Tissue Examination Training with Multimodal Sensory Feedback

Tissue examination by hand remains an essential technique in clinical practice. The effective application depends on skills in sensorimotor coordination, mainly involving haptic, visual, and auditory feedback. The skills clinicians have to learn can be as subtle as regulating finger pressure with breathing, choosing palpation action, monitoring involuntary facial and vocal expressions in response to palpation, and using pain expressions both as a source of information and as a constraint on physical examination. Patient simulators can provide a safe learning platform to novice physicians before trying real patients. This paper reviews state-of-the-art medical simulators for the training for the first time with a consideration of providing multimodal feedback to learn as many manual examination techniques as possible. The study summarizes current advances in tissue examination training devices simulating different medical conditions and providing different types of feedback modalities. Opportunities with the development of pain expression, tissue modeling, actuation, and sensing are also analyzed to support the future design of effective tissue examination simulators.

A randomized trial to investigate needle redirections/re-insertions using a handheld ultrasound device versus traditional palpation for spinal anesthesia in obese women undergoing cesarean delivery

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound may be useful to identify the spinal anesthesia insertion point, particularly when landmarks are not palpable. We tested the hypothesis that the number of needle redirections/re-insertions is lower when using a handheld ultrasound device compared with palpation in obese women undergoing spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Study recruits were obese (body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m²) women with impalpable bony landmarks who were undergoing spinal anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery. Women were randomized to ultrasound or palpation. The primary study outcome was a composite between-group comparison of total number of needle redirections (any withdrawal and re-advancement of the needle and/or introducer within the intervertebral space) or re-insertions (any new skin puncture in the same or different intervertebral space) per patient. Secondary outcomes included insertion site identification time and patient verbal numerical pain score (0-10) for comfort during surgical skin incision.

RESULTS

Forty women completed the study. The mean BMI (standard deviation) for the ultrasound group was 39.8 (5.5) kg/m² and for the palpation group 37.3 (5.2) kg/m². There was no difference in the composite primary outcome (median (interquartile range) [range]) between the ultrasound group (4 (2-13) [2-22]) and the (6 (4-10) [1-17]) palpation group (P=0.22), with the 95% confidence interval of the difference 2 (-1.7 to 5.7). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Handheld ultrasound did not demonstrate any advantages over traditional palpation techniques for spinal anesthesia in an obese population undergoing cesarean delivery, although the study was underpowered to show a difference.

Visual or visual-tactile examination to detect and inform the diagnosis of enamel caries

BACKGROUND

The detection and diagnosis of caries at the initial (non-cavitated) and moderate (enamel) levels of severity is fundamental to achieving and maintaining good oral health and prevention of oral diseases. An increasing array of methods of early caries detection have been proposed that could potentially support traditional methods of detection and diagnosis. Earlier identification of disease could afford patients the opportunity of less invasive treatment with less destruction of tooth tissue, reduce the need for treatment with aerosol-generating procedures, and potentially result in a reduced cost of care to the patient and to healthcare services.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of different visual classification systems for the detection and diagnosis of non-cavitated coronal dental caries for different purposes (detection and diagnosis) and in different populations (children or adults).

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist undertook a search of the following databases: MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 30 April 2020); Embase Ovid (1980 to 30 April 2020); US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov, to 30 April 2020); and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (to 30 April 2020). We studied reference lists as well as published systematic review articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included diagnostic accuracy study designs that compared a visual classification system (index test) with a reference standard (histology, excavation, radiographs). This included cross-sectional studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of single index tests and studies that directly compared two or more index tests. Studies reporting at both the patient or tooth surface level were included. In vitro and in vivo studies were considered. Studies that explicitly recruited participants with caries into dentine or frank cavitation were excluded. We also excluded studies that artificially created carious lesions and those that used an index test during the excavation of dental caries to ascertain the optimum depth of excavation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We extracted data independently and in duplicate using a standardised data extraction and quality assessment form based on QUADAS-2 specific to the review context. Estimates of diagnostic accuracy were determined using the bivariate hierarchical method to produce summary points of sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and regions, and 95% prediction regions. The comparative accuracy of different classification systems was conducted based on indirect comparisons. Potential sources of heterogeneity were pre-specified and explored visually and more formally through meta-regression.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 71 datasets from 67 studies (48 completed in vitro) reporting a total of 19,590 tooth sites/surfaces. The most frequently reported classification systems were the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) (36 studies) and Ekstrand-Ricketts-Kidd (ERK) (15 studies). In reporting the results, no distinction was made between detection and diagnosis. Only two studies were at low risk of bias across all four domains, and 15 studies were at low concern for applicability across all three domains. The patient selection domain had the highest proportion of high risk of bias studies (49 studies). Four studies were assessed at high risk of bias for the index test domain, nine for the reference standard domain, and seven for the flow and timing domain. Due to the high number of studies on extracted teeth concerns regarding applicability were high for the patient selection and index test domains (49 and 46 studies respectively). Studies were synthesised using a hierarchical bivariate method for meta-analysis. There was substantial variability in the results of the individual studies: sensitivities ranged from 0.16 to 1.00 and specificities from 0 to 1.00. For all visual classification systems the estimated summary sensitivity and specificity point was 0.86 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.90) and 0.77 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.82) respectively, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) 20.38 (95% CI 14.33 to 28.98). In a cohort of 1000 tooth surfaces with 28% prevalence of enamel caries, this would result in 40 being classified as disease free when enamel caries was truly present (false negatives), and 163 being classified as diseased in the absence of enamel caries (false positives). The addition of test type to the model did not result in any meaningful difference to the sensitivity or specificity estimates (Chi²(4) = 3.78, P = 0.44), nor did the addition of primary or permanent dentition (Chi²(2) = 0.90, P = 0.64). The variability of results could not be explained by tooth surface (occlusal or approximal), prevalence of dentinal caries in the sample, nor reference standard. Only one study intentionally included restored teeth in its sample and no studies reported the inclusion of sealants. We rated the certainty of the evidence as low, and downgraded two levels in total for risk of bias due to limitations in the design and conduct of the included studies, indirectness arising from the in vitro studies, and inconsistency of results.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Whilst the confidence intervals for the summary points of the different visual classification systems indicated reasonable performance, they do not reflect the confidence that one can have in the accuracy of assessment using these systems due to the considerable unexplained heterogeneity evident across the studies. The prediction regions in which the sensitivity and specificity of a future study should lie are very broad, an important consideration when interpreting the results of this review. Should treatment be provided as a consequence of a false-positive result then this would be non-invasive, typically the application of fluoride varnish where it was not required, with low potential for an adverse event but healthcare resource and finance costs. Despite the robust methodology applied in this comprehensive review, the results should be interpreted with some caution due to shortcomings in the design and execution of many of the included studies. Studies to determine the diagnostic accuracy of methods to detect and diagnose caries in situ are particularly challenging. Wherever possible future studies should be carried out in a clinical setting, to provide a realistic assessment of performance within the oral cavity with the challenges of plaque, tooth staining, and restorations, and consider methods to minimise bias arising from the use of imperfect reference standards in clinical studies.

Linking Pelvic Floor Muscle Function Terminology to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

OBJECTIVE

A previous systematic review on pelvic floor muscle function (PFMF) identified a miscellaneity of terms. The lack of consensual terminology might have come from the complexity of neuromusculoskeletal function itself. This study sought to link the previously identified PFMF terms to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) terminology.

METHODS

In this secondary analysis study, 10 linkage rules were applied to link 196 previously identified PFMF terms to the ICF. Two researchers performed the linking process independently. Disagreements were solved by open dialogue with a third researcher. Percentage agreement was computed for main outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 184 (93.9%) PFMF terms were subsumed into the following 6 ICF terms: tone, involuntary movement reaction, control, coordination, strength, and endurance. The most frequently investigated PFMF was strength (25.5%), followed by involuntary movement reaction (22.9%), endurance (17.2%), control (14.1%), coordination (9.9%), and tone (4.2%). Only 6.2% PFMF could not be linked to ICF terminology. A wide variation of instruments/methods was used to measure PFMF. Vaginal palpation was the only method employed to measure all 6 PFMF. Percentage agreement between raters was 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

Linking PFMF terminology to the ICF was feasible and valid. It allowed the identification of the most investigated PFMF and their measuring methods. ICF terminology to describe PFMF should be used since it may improve communication, data gathering, and the advance in scientific knowledge.

IMPACT

Standardized terminology anchored in a theoretical framework is crucial to data gathering, communication, and dissemination of evidence-based practice. PFMF terminology based on ICF can be used to improve data pooling and communication.

Inter-and Intra-Examiner Reliability of Supraspinatus Muscle Tendon Palpation: A Cross-Sectional Study by Ultrasonography

Background and objectives: Palpation is an inherent and basic skill of health professionals—particularly manual therapists who base their diagnosis and treatment in a clinical environment. Many authors have previously described multiple palpation positions for supraspinatus muscle tendon (SMT); however, there are no current studies that evaluate palpation concordance reliability for the SMT in this particular position. This study aimed to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliabilities of supraspinatus muscle tendon (SMT) palpation. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six healthy participants (14 females; aged 22–35 years) were recruited. Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used to measure the SMT localization after two physiotherapists performed the SMT palpation at two different times. The distance between the two marked points was used to analyze the analysis of true agreement between examiners. Finally, we analyzed if the demographic variables influenced the palpation procedure. Results: The intra-examiner reliability showed a high percentage of concordance for examiner 1 (E.1) (first palpation procedure (P.1) = 91.7%: second palpation procedure (P.2) = 95.8%) and examiner 2 (E.2) (P.1 = 91.6%; P.2 = 97.2%) and high percentage of inter-palpation agreement for E.1 (87.5%) and E.2 (88.9%). The inter-examiner reliability showed a high total concordance for the right shoulder (E.1 = 94.4%; E.2 = 95.8%) and left shoulder (E.1 = 93.05%; E.2 = 95.05%). The agreement (%) according to both examiners was 93.05% for the right shoulder and 94.4% for the left shoulder. The agreement between both examiners and the ultrasound (% of true agreement) was 92.9% for the right shoulder and 92.8% for the left shoulder. A statistically significant association (p = 0.02) was found for weight regarding concordance reliability; this was not seen for dominant arm, age, gender, body mass index, height, and tendon depth (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SMT palpation technique showed a high level of concordance and reproducibility.

A comparative study of perioperative techniques to attain negative margins and spare healthy breast tissue in breast conserving surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Traditionally lumpectomy as a part of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is performed by palpation-guided method leading to positive margins and large excision volumes. There is no evidence suggesting that wide margin excisions decrease intra-breast tumour recurrence. Various perioperative techniques are used for margin assessment. We aimed to compare three commonly used techniques, i.e., ultrasound-guided surgery, palpation-guided surgery and cavity shaving for attaining negative margins and estimating the extent of healthy breast tissue resection.

METHOD

A prospective comparative study was performed on 90 patients who underwent breast conservation surgery for early breast cancer between August 2018 and June 2019. Tumour excision with a minimum of 1 cm margin was done either using ultrasound, palpation or cavity shaving. Histopathological evaluation was done to assess the margin status and excess amount of resected normal breast tissue. Calculated resection ratio (CRR) defining the excess amount of the resected breast tissue was achieved by dividing the total resection volume (TRV) by optimal resection volume (ORV). The time taken for excision was also recorded.

RESULTS

Histopathology of all 90 patients (30 in each group) revealed a negative resection margin in 93.3% of 30 patients in palpation-guided surgery group and 100% in both ultrasound-guided surgery and cavity shaving groups. Two patients (6.7%) from the cavity shaving group had positive margins on initial lumpectomy but shave margins were negative. TRV was significantly less in the ultrasound-guided surgery group compared to the palpation-guided surgery group and cavity shaving group (76.9 cm3, 94.7 cm3 and 126.3 cm3 respectively; p < 0.0051). CRR was 1.2 in ultrasound group compared to 1.9 in palpation group and 2.1 in cavity shave group which was also statistically significant (p < 0.0001).Excision time was significantly less (p < 0.001) in palpation-guided surgery group (13.8 min) compared to cavity shaving group (15.1 min) and ultrasound-guided group (19.4 min).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided surgery is more accurate in attaining negative margins with the removal of least amount of healthy breast tissue compared to palpation-guided surgery and cavity shaving.

Modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound technique versus conventional palpation technique for radial arterial cannulation: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

A low first-pass success rate of radial artery cannulation was obtained when using the conventional palpation technique (C-PT) or conventional ultrasound-guided techniques, we; therefore, evaluate the effect of a modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound technique (M-LAINUT) in guiding radial artery cannulation in adults.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized and controlled clinical trial of 288 patients undergoing radial artery cannulation. Patients were randomized 1:1 to M-LAINUT or C-PT group at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between 2017 and 2018. Radial artery cannulation was performed by 3 anesthesiologists with different experience. The outcome was the first and total radial artery cannulation success rates, the number of attempts and the cannulation time, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-five patients were statistically analyzed. The success rate of first attempt was 91.6% in the M-LAINUT group (n = 143) and 57.7% in the C-PT group (n = 142; P < .001) (odds ratio, 7.9; 95% confidence interval, 4.0-15.7). The total success rate (≤5 minutes and ≤3 attempts) in the M-LAINUT group was 97.9%, compared to 84.5% in the palpation group (P < .001) (odds ratio, 8.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.5-29.2). The total cannulation time was shorter and the number of attempts was fewer in the M-LAINUT group than that in the C-PT group (P < .05). The incidence of hematoma in the C-PT group was 19.7%, which was significantly higher than the 2.8% in the M-LAINUT group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Modified long-axis in-plane ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation can increase the first and total radial artery cannulation success rates, reduce the number of attempts, and shorten the total cannulation time in adults.

Landmark versus ultrasound-guided insertion of femoral venous catheters in the pediatric intensive care unit: An efficacy and safety comparison study

BACKGROUND

Central venous cannulation (CVC) is common and necessary in pediatric intensive care. However, this procedure is not without risks or complications. Although CVCs have classically been placed following anatomical landmarks, the use of ultrasound guidance has largely replaced the latter, given its better profile of efficacy and safety, demonstrated at least in adult populations.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness and safety in the insertion of femoral central venous catheters guided by ultrasound (US) versus the anatomical method (LM) in critical care pediatric patients.

METHODS

100 patients were randomized: 50 were assigned to the US group and 49 to the LM group. In the LM group the traditional method consisted in palpating the femoral artery pulse as a; in the US group the CVC was inserted using a real time technique. Success at the first attempt, overall success in cannulation, number of attempts and arterial puncture were the variables studied in both groups.

RESULTS

Success at the first attempt and overall success in cannulation were significantly higher in the US group versus the LM (US 42% vs. LM 18%, p 0.011, US 84% vs. LM 51% p <0.001, respectively). The incidence of puncture of the femoral artery was lower in the US group (LM 12 vs. US 5, p 0.056) without achieving statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our results, the placement of central venous access via the femoral approach should be preferably performed under ultrasound guidance, however, further studies in larger populations are needed to confirm this findings.

Beyond Bones: Assessing Whether Ultrasound-Aided Instruction and Practice Improve Unassisted Soft Tissue Palpation Skills of First-Year Medical Students

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to determine whether ultrasound (US)-aided instruction and practice on musculoskeletal anatomy would improve first-year medical students' ability to locate and identify specific soft tissue structures by unaided palpation in the upper and lower extremities of healthy human models.

METHODS

This study was a randomized crossover design with 49 first-year medical students randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Each group was provided expert instruction and hands-on practice using US to scan and study soft tissue structures. During session 1, group A learned the anatomy of the upper extremities, whereas group B learned the lower. Students were then tested on their proficiency in locating 4 soft tissue structures (2 upper and 2 lower extremities) through palpation of a human model. During session 2, group A learned lower extremities, and group B learned upper. At the end of session 2, students repeated the assessment.

RESULTS

After the first instructional session, neither group performed significantly better on identifying and locating the soft tissue landmarks they learned aided by US. After the second instructional session, however, scores for both groups increased approximately 20 percentage points, indicating that both groups performed significantly better on palpating and identifying both the upper and lower extremity soft tissue landmarks (Cohen d = 0.89 and 0.82, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Time and practice viewing soft tissue structures with US assistance seems to have a "palpation-with-eyes" effect that improves students' abilities to correctly locate, palpate, and identify limb-specific soft tissue structures once the US assistance is removed.

"Princess and the pea" - an assessment tool for palpation skills in postgraduate education

BACKGROUND

In osteopathic medicine, palpation is considered to be the key skill to be acquired during training. Whether palpation skills are adequately acquired during undergraduate or postgraduate training is difficult to assess. The aim of our study was to test a palpation assessment tool developed for undergraduate medical education in a postgraduate medical education (PME) setting.

METHODS

We modified and standardized an assessment tool, where a coin has to be palpated under different layers of copy paper. For every layer depth we randomized the hiding positions with a random generator. The task was to palpate the coin or to determine that no coin was hidden in the stack. We recruited three groups of participants: 22 physicians with no training in osteopathic medicine, 25 participants in a PME course of osteopathic techniques before and after a palpation training program, 31 physicians from an osteopathic expert group with at least 700 h of osteopathic skills training. These experts ran the test twice to check for test-retest-reliability. Inferential statistical analyzes were performed using generalized linear mixed models with the dichotomous variable "coin detected / not detected" as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

We measured a test-retest reliability of the assessment tool as a whole with 56 stations in the expert group of 0.67 (p <  0.001). For different paper layers, we found good retest reliabilities up to 300 sheets. The control group detected a coin significantly better in a depth of 150 sheets (p = 0.01) than the pre-training group. The osteopathic training group showed significantly more correct coin localizations after the training in layer depths of 200 (p = 0.03) and 300 sheets (p = 0.05). This group also had significantly better palpation results than the expert group in the depth of 300 sheets (p = 0.001). When there was no coin hidden, the expert group showed significantly better results than the post-training group (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our tool can be used with reliable results to test palpation course achievements with 200 and 300 sheets of paper. Further refinements of this tool will be needed to use it in complex assessment designs for the evaluation of more sophisticated palpatory skills in postgraduate medical settings.