Robot-assisted knee arthroplasty: Analyzing the learning curve and initial institutional experience

Robot-assisted total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) involves a learning curve for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of the present study was to assess the surgical times of rTKA procedures performed by initial stage and proficiency stage surgeons in comparison with times of conventional total knee arthroplasty (cTKA). The results reveal that the learning curve for rTKA varies considerable between surgeons, suggesting that the skill and aptitude of the individual to adapt to the robotic system play key roles in the learning process. Proficiency stage surgeons were able to reduce rTKA surgical times to levels comparable with those of conventional surgeries after performing approximately 30 to 40 robotic procedures. Ongoing research has shown promising outcomes in terms of improved clinical results and reduced complications following the application of advanced robotic technology to total knee arthroplasty.

Development and Validation of the 17-Point Brazilian Portuguese Translated Version of the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score (mJOA-BR17)

BACKGROUND

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is the most common degenerative dysfunction of the spinal cord in the cervical spine in patients older than 55 years. The Japanese Orthopedic Association developed a scoring system to quantify clinical impairment of CSM patients, allocate them according to the degree of impairment, and suggest best timing for surgery. The original version evaluates the upper limb motor function through the ability of feeding with chopsticks, which are not intrinsic in western populations. To compare severity and treatment improvement of any diseases, it is preferable to have modified and translated versions of questionnaires and scores closest to the original ones. The authors present a prospective cohort study to validate the 17-point Brazilian Portuguese translated version of the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA-BR17) survey.

METHODS

Patients with CSM (n = 36) were allocated to the disease group, while age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers (n = 34) were recruited for the control group. Comparison of statistical analysis of mJOA-BR17 domains for each group was established. After the translation and adaptation of mJOA-BR17, the validation was made through application to the 2 groups.

RESULTS

There were statistical differences between groups in total mJOA-BR17 score (CSM, 14.14 ± 2.92; control, 16.68 ± 0.59: P < 0.001), lower limbs motor function (CSM, 3.25 ± 1.02; control, 3.91 ± 0.29: P < 0.001), upper limbs sensory function (CSM, 1.17 ± 0.81; control, 1.86 ± 0.36: P < 0.001), lower limbs sensory function (CSM, 1.62 ± 0.64; control, 2.0 ± 0.0: P < 0.001), and bladder function (CSM, 2.69 ± 0.52; control, 2.97 ± 0.17: P = 0.005). The receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81, indicating usefulness of the mJOA-BR17 score to identify patients with CSM from healthy controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The mJOA-BR17 demonstrated similarity, applicability, and good understanding in comparison to the English-modified version of 17-point JOA score for CSM, becoming a valuable tool to quantify and differentiate CSM patients from healthy individuals.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Cost-effectiveness of a second opinion program on spine surgeries: an economic analysis

BACKGROUND

In this study we proposed a new strategy to measure cost-effectiveness of second opinion program on spine surgery, using as measure of effectiveness the minimal important change (MIC) in the quality of life reported by patients, including the satisfaction questionnaire regarding the treatment and direct medical costs.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of patients with prior indication for spine surgery included in a second opinion program during May 2011 to May 2019. Treatment costs and outcomes were compared considering each patients' recommended treatment before and after the second opinion. Costs were measured under the perspective of the hospital, including hospital stay, surgical room, physician and staff fees and other costs related to hospitalization when surgery was performed and physiotherapy or injection costs when a conservative treatment was recommended. Reoperation costs were also included. For comparison analysis, we used data based on our clinical practice, using data from patients who underwent the same type of surgical procedure as recommended by the first referral. The measure of effectiveness was the percentage of patients who achieved the MIC in quality of life measured by the EQ-5D-3 L 2 years after starting treatment. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated.

RESULTS

Based upon the assessment of 1,088 patients that completed the entire second opinion process, conservative management was recommended for 662 (60.8%) patients; 49 (4.5%) were recommended to injection and 377 (34.7%) to surgery. Complex spine surgery, as arthrodesis, was recommended by second opinion in only 3.7% of cases. The program resulted in financial savings of -$6,705 per patient associated with appropriate treatment indication, with an incremental effectiveness of 0.077 patients achieving MIC when compared to the first referral, resulting in an ICER of $-87,066 per additional patient achieving the MIC, ranging between $-273,016 and $-41,832.

CONCLUSION

After 2 years of treatment, the second opinion program demonstrated the potential for cost-offsets associated with improved quality of life.

Hydroxychloroquine for treatment of COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS (January 2019 to March 2021) for patients aged 18 years or older, who had COVID-19 and were treated with hydroxychloroquine versus placebo or standard of care. We also searched the WHO Clinical Trials Registry for ongoing and recently completed studies, and the reference lists of selected articles and reviews for possible relevant studies, with no restrictions regarding language or publication status. Random-effects models were used to obtain pooled mean differences of treatment effect on mortality, and serious adverse effects between hydroxychloroquine and the Control Group (standard of care or placebo); heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 and the Cochran´s Q statistic.

RESULTS

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in mortality rate between patients treated with hydroxychloroquine compared to standard of care or placebo (16.7% versus 18.5%; pooled risk ratio 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 0.99-1.19). Also, the rate of serious adverse effects was similar between both Groups, Hydroxychloroquine and Control (3.7% versus 2.9%; pooled risk ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.76-1.96).

CONCLUSION

Hydroxychloroquine is not efficacious in reducing mortality of COVID-19 patients.

PROSPERO DATABASE REGISTRATION

(www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero) under number CRD42020197070.

Physical exercise as a therapeutic approach for adults with insomnia: systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To systematically review the effects (benefits and harms) of different types of physical exercise on insomnia outcomes in adult populations with no mood disorders. Objective and subjective sleep outcomes and related mismatches were analyzed.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality of evidence was also examined.

Results

Six studies including 295 participants with insomnia diagnosis were selected. Yoga, Tai Chi, resistance exercise and aerobic exercise were used in protocols with different duration, intensity and frequency. Studies involved different populations, including inactive or sedentary individuals, older adults and postmenopausal women. Physical exercise improved subjective sleep quality (very low quality of evidence) and reduced insomnia severity (high quality of evidence).

Conclusion

Findings suggest individualized physical exercise must be addressed to design optimal protocols, with standardized type, duration, intensity, and frequency. For the time being, physical exercise may be considered an alternative and/or ancillary therapeutic modality for patients diagnosed with insomnia. Physical exercise can be used to improve subjective complaints, but not objective sleep outcomes.

Matrix-assisted autologous chondrocyte transplantation for treatment of focal chondral lesions in the knee: the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein experience

Objective

Phase 1 clinical trial to determine feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a new advanced cell therapy product for treatment of knee articular cartilage injuries.

Methods

Three participants with knee focal chondral lesions were included, with no signs of osteoarthritis. Chondrocytes were obtained through knee arthroscopy, cultured in collagen membrane for 3 weeks at the laboratory, subjected to tests to release the cell therapy product, and implanted. All patients underwent a specific 3-month rehabilitation protocol, followed by assessments using functional and imaging scales. The main outcome was the incidence of severe adverse events.

Results

Three participants were included and completed the 2-year follow-up. There was one severe adverse event, venous thrombosis of distal leg veins, which was no associated with therapy, was treated and left no sequelae. The clinical and radiological scales showed improvement in the three cases.

Conclusion

The preliminary results, obtained with the described methodology, allow concluding that this product of advanced cell therapy is safe and feasible. ReBEC platform registration number: RBR-6fgy76

Quality assessment of systematic reviews of surgical treatment of cervical spine degenerative diseases: an overview

Objective

To gather all systematic reviews of surgical treatment of degenerative cervical diseases and assess their quality, conclusions and outcomes.

Methods

A literature search for systematic reviews of surgical treatment of degenerative cervical diseases was conducted. Studies should have at least one surgical procedure as an intervention. Included studies were assessed for quality through Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) questionnaires. Quality of studies was rated accordingly to their final score as very poor (<30%), poor (30%-50%), fair (50%-70%), good (70%-90%), and excellent (>90%). If an article reported a conclusion addressing its primary objective with supportive statistical evidence for it, they were deemed to have an evidence-based conclusion.

Results

A total of 65 systematic reviews were included. According to AMSTAR and PRISMA, 1.5% to 6.2% of studies were rated as excellent, while good studies counted for 21.5% to 47.7%. According to AMSTAR, most studies were of fair quality (46.2%), and 6.2% of very poor quality. Mean PRISMA score was 70.2%, meaning studies of good quality. For both tools, performing a meta-analysis significantly increased studies scores and quality. Cervical spondylosis studies reached highest scores among diseases analyzed. Authors stated conclusions for interventions compared in 70.7% of studies, and only two of them were not supported by statistical evidence.

Conclusion

Systematic reviews of surgical treatment of cervical degenerative diseases present “fair” to “good” quality in their majority, and most of the reported conclusions are supported by statistical evidence. Including a meta-analysis significantly increases the quality of a systematic review.

Clinical outcome analysis in surgical patients enrolled in a Second Opinion Program in spine surgery

Objective

To analyze pain, functional capacity, quality of life, anxiety and depression outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery following use of the Second Opinion Program, and to present disagreements regarding diagnoses and therapeutic indications between the first and second opinions.

Methods

A prospective, observational cohort study with 100 patients enrolled in the Second Opinion Program who underwent lumbar spine surgery. Questionnaires addressing pain intensity, level of disability, quality of life, anxiety and depression were applied prior to and within 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of surgery. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were performed. The following clinical outcomes were analyzed: pain intensity, level of disability, quality of life, anxiety, and depression.

Results

In this sample, 88% and 12% out of 100 patients were submitted to lumbar decompression and arthrodesis, respectively. Patients reported improvements in function, pain intensity, and quality of life factors following surgery and were able to attain the minimal clinically important difference relative to the preoperative period. Agreement between the first and second opinions was observed in 44% of diagnoses, and in 27% of therapeutic indications.

Conclusion

Patients had favorable postoperative outcomes regarding pain, disability, and quality of life. These findings and the high rates of diagnostic and therapeutic indication disagreements corroborate the need of a second opinion in cases of spine disease with surgical indications.

Minimally invasive swine spine surgery training: technical aspects, benefits, and anatomical limitations

Objective

To describe the technical specificities and feasibility of simulation of minimally invasive spine surgery in live pigs, as well as similarities and differences in comparison to surgery in humans.

Methods

A total of 22 Large White class swine models, weighing between 60 and 80kg, were submitted to surgical simulations, performed during theoretical-practical courses for training surgical techniques (microsurgical and endoscopic lumbar decompression; percutaneous pedicular instrumentation; lateral access to the thoracic spine, and anterior and retroperitoneal to the lumbar spine, and management of complications) by 86 spine surgeons. For each surgical technique, porcine anatomy (similarities and differences in relation to human anatomy), access route, and dimensions of the instruments and implants used were evaluated. Thus, the authors describe the feasibility of each operative simulation, as well as suggestions to optimize training. Study results are descriptive, with figures and drawings.

Results

Neural decompression surgeries (microsurgeries and endoscopic) and pedicular instrumentation presented higher similarities to surgery on humans. On the other hand, intradiscal procedures had limitations due to the narrow disc space in swines. We were able to simulate situations of surgical trauma in surgical complication scenarios, such as cerebrospinal fluid fistulas and excessive bleeding, with comparable realism to surgery on humans.

Conclusion

A porcine model for simulation of minimally invasive spinal surgical techniques had similarities with surgery on humans, and is therefore feasible for surgeon training.

LUMBAR ARTHRODESIS IN DEGENERATIVE SPINE: POST OPERATIVE RESULTS AND RADIOGRAPHIC EVALUATION

ABSTRACT Objective: To relate the radiographic fusion rate and the surgical results in patients undergoing posterolateral arthrodesis with instrumentation of the lumbar spine for the treatment of degenerative disorders. Method: A descriptive, retrospective, case series, observational study, based on medical records and imaging studies of 76 patients over 18 years of age (39 to 88 years) who underwent posterolateral lumbar arthrodesis. Data related to the presence of comorbidities were compiled and clinical outcomes were measured using specific questionnaires collected pre-surgical and 1 year after surgery. Fusion quality, as described by Christensen, was assessed from radiographic images by two examiners. The VAS, EQ-5D and Roland Morris questionnaires were used preoperatively and 1 year after surgery to assess pain, quality of life and function, respectively. Result: It was observed improvement in pain, function and quality of life after 1 year post-surgical. Pain, measured by VAS, had a reduction from 7.92 to 3.16 (p-value <0.001), the function evaluated by the Roland Morris score, also showed a reduction from 14.90 to 7.06 (p-value <0.001) . Culminating with the improvement in quality of life, measured by the EQ-5D, where there was a median increase in the score from 0.5672 to 0.7002 (p-value = 0.002). Conclusion: The absence of radiographic fusion has no direct correlation with worse results in clinical outcomes at 01 year after surgery. Most patients showed clinical improvement with no statistical difference in relation to cases in which bone fusion was obtained. Level of evidence IV; retrospective observation.

Lumbar Decompression Versus Spinal Fusion in a Private Outpatient Setting: A Retrospective Study with Three Years of Follow-up

Objective  To compare pain, function, quality of life and adverse events of lumbar decompression and spinal fusion in patients with degenerative spinal pathologies who participated in a second opinion program for spinal surgeries with a 36-month follow-up.

Methods  The data for this retrospective cohort were withdrawn from a private healthcare system between June 2011 and January 2014. The study sample consisted of 71 patients with a lumbar spine surgical referral. The outcomes for the comparisons between lumbar decompression and spinal fusion were quality of life (evaluated through the EuroQoL 5D), pain (measured by the Numerical Rating Scale) and function (assessed through the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) measured at baseline, and at 12 and 36 months after the surgical procedures. The definitions of recovery were established by the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). The baseline differences between the groups were analyzed by non-paired t -test, and the differences in instrument scores between time points, by generalized mixed models. The results were presented as mean values adjusted by the models and 95% confidence intervals.

Results  Concerning the surgical techniques, 22 patients were submitted to spinal fusion and 49 patients, to lumbar decompression. As for the comparisons of the findings before and after the surgical interventions, the MCID was achieved in all outcomes regarding quality of life, pain and function at both time points when compared to baseline scores Moreover, concerning the complication rates, only lumbar decompression presented a surgical rate of 4% ( n  = 3) for recurrence of lumbar disc hernia.

Conclusion  Patients with degenerative spinal pathologies present improvements in long-term outcomes of pain, function and quality of life which are clinically significant, no matter the surgical intervention.

Preoperative Home Care Can Be One of the Factors Affecting the Length of Hospital Stay in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty

PURPOSE

To assess the importance of home nursing care on the functional outcome, quality of life, and length of stay of patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study including patients who underwent surgery from February 2011 to December 2016. Patients were analyzed in two groups: with home care (received nursing care) and without home care. The analyzed outcomes were quality of life, functional outcome, and length of hospital stay. Total follow-up with questionnaires was 24 months.

RESULTS

A total of 244 patients (143 with home care and 101 without home care) were analyzed. No significant differences were found regarding the mean age (p = 0.125), gender distribution (p = 0.449) and BMI (p = 0.548) between the two groups. There was also no significant difference regarding functional outcome (p = 0.107) and quality of life (p = 0.848), measured by validated tools. However, the median of length of hospital stays in the home care group was lower in 1 day compared to without home care group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The home nursing care did not influence the functional outcome or quality of life of the patients, but there was a decrease in the length of hospital stay in the group that received preoperative nursing care.

Clinical outcomes and cost-utility of rotator cuff repair surgery by open and arthroscopic techniques: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Rotator cuff injuries account for up to 70% of pain in the shoulder. However, there remains no consensus on the best surgical treatment for patients with rotator cuff injuries, in terms of the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of open and arthroscopic methods for rotator cuff repair. The objective of this trial is to compare the efficacy, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of open and arthroscopic procedures for rotator cuff repair.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The trial is a two-group, parallel-design, randomised controlled trial. A total of 100 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff lesions will be allocated in either open or arthroscopic technique in a 1:1 ratio, considering smoking (yes or no), lesion size (≤3 cm or >3 cm) and diabetes (present or absent) as stratification factors. All patients will be included in the same rehabilitation programme after the intervention. The primary outcome measure will be the Constant-Murley Score and the EuroQol-5D-3L score at 48 weeks postsurgery. Secondary outcomes include cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, pain, complications and clinical analysis, using the Simple Shoulder Test, Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAS), integrity of the repair evaluated through MRI, and complications and failures of the proposed methods. For the cost-effectiveness analysis, we will use the VAS and the Constant-Murley Score as measures of effectiveness. For the cost-utility analysis, we will use the EuroQol-5D-3L as a measure of utility in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-years.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the local research ethics committee of both institutions: Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Hospital Alvorada Moema/Hospital Pró-Cardíaco. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed, open access journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04146987.

Comparative CT with stress manoeuvres for diagnosing distal isolated tibiofibular syndesmotic injury in acute ankle sprain: a protocol for an accuracy- test prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Although several imaging options are available for diagnosing syndesmotic injury, a fundamental question that guides treatment remains unanswered. Syndesmotic instability is still challenging to diagnose correctly, and syndesmotic disruption and true syndesmotic instability should be differentiated. Currently, imaging tests quickly diagnose severe syndesmotic instability but have difficulty in diagnosing mild and moderate cases. This study aims to investigate which strategy among an existing CT index test and two new add-on CT index tests with stress manoeuvres more accurately diagnoses syndesmotic instability. The secondary objective is to investigate the participants' disability outcomes by applying the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire.

METHODS AND ANALYSES

This study of a diagnostic accuracy test will consecutively select individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of a suspected acute syndesmotic injury. Three strategies of the CT index test (one in the neutral position and two with stress) will examine the accuracy using MRI as the reference standard. The external rotation and dorsiflexion of the ankle will guide the stress manoeuvres. A comparison of measurements between the injured syndesmosis and the uninjured contralateral side of the same individual will investigate the syndesmotic instability, by evaluating the rotational and translational relationships between the fibula and tibia. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and likelihood analyses will compare the diagnostic accuracies of the strategies.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Internal Review Board and the Einstein Ethics Committee approved this study (registered number 62100016.5.0000.0071). All participants will receive an oral description of the study's aim, and the choice to participate will be free and voluntary. Participants will be enrolled after they sign the written informed consent form, including the terms of confidentiality. The results will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals and social media.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04095598; preresults).

Prognostic factors in low back pain individuals undergoing steroid and anaesthetic intra-articular facet joint infiltration: a protocol for a prospective, longitudinal, cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar pain of facet origin is a common problem worldwide. For those patients not responding to traditional treatment, one approach may be intra-articular infiltration of corticoid and anaesthetic. However, despite the increasing demand for this procedure, no consensus exists regarding its therapeutic value. The selection of eligible participants may be a determining factor since only those with an inflammatory process will benefit from the use of corticosteroids. This study aims to identify differences in disability, pain and quality of life scores in individuals with and without facet joint inflammation who were diagnosed using MRI.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This prospective cohort will include individuals older than 18 years with a clinical diagnosis of facet syndrome who underwent intra-articular infiltration. Changes in scores of pain, disability and quality of life questionnaires at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up compared with baseline will be analysed. An MRI examination performed before infiltration will help to distinguish between exposed (with inflammation) and non-exposed (non-inflammation) groups with facet syndrome. The primary outcome will be the disability questionnaire (Roland Morris), and the secondary outcomes will be the score questionnaires for pain (Visual Analogue Scale), quality of life (EuroQol Quality of Life Questionnaire) and disability (Oswestry).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Internal Review Board approved this study, which started only after the approval number (5291417.0.0000.0071) was received. All recruited participants will receive a verbal explanation about the purpose of the study, and their decision to participate will be free and voluntary. All participants enrolled in the study will provide a signed informed consent form including confidentiality terms. The results obtained in this study will be presented at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals to disseminate the knowledge.

TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03304730; Pre-results.

The OMERACT Core Domain Set for Clinical Trials of Shoulder Disorders

OBJECTIVE

To reach consensus on the core domains to be included in a core domain set for clinical trials of shoulder disorders using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Filter 2.1 Core Domain Set process.

METHODS

At OMERACT 2018, the OMERACT Shoulder Working Group conducted a workshop that presented the OMERACT 2016 preliminary core domain set and its rationale based upon a systematic review of domains measured in shoulder trials and international Delphi sessions involving patients, clinicians, and researchers, as well as a new systematic review of qualitative studies on the experiences of people with shoulder disorders. After discussions in breakout groups, the OMERACT core domain set for clinical trials of shoulder disorders was presented for endorsement by OMERACT 2018 participants.

RESULTS

The qualitative review (n = 8) identified all domains included in the preliminary core set. An additional domain, cognitive dysfunction, was also identified, but confidence that this represents a core domain was very low. The core domain set that was endorsed by the OMERACT participants, with 71% agreement, includes 4 "mandatory" trial domains: pain, function, patient global - shoulder, and adverse events including death; and 4 "important but optional" domains: participation (recreation/work), sleep, emotional well-being, and condition-specific pathophysiological manifestations. Cognitive dysfunction was voted out of the core domain set.

CONCLUSION

OMERACT 2018 delegates endorsed a core domain set for clinical trials of shoulder disorders. The next step includes identification of a core outcome measurement set that passes the OMERACT 2.1 Filter for measuring each domain.

Interspinous process devices for treatment of degenerative lumbar spine stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition related to aging in which structural changes cause narrowing of the central canal and intervertebral foramen. It is currently the leading cause for spinal surgery in patients over 65 years. Interspinous process devices (IPDs) were introduced as a less invasive surgical alternative, but questions regarding safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness are still unanswered.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to provide complete and reliable information regarding benefits and harms of IPDs when compared to conservative treatment or decompression surgery and suggest directions for forthcoming RCTs.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and LILACS for randomized and quasi-randomized trials, without language or period restrictions, comparing IPDs to conservative treatment or decompressive surgery in adults with symptomatic degenerative lumbar spine stenosis. Data extraction and analysis were conducted following the Cochrane Handbook. Primary outcomes were pain assessment, functional impairment, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire, and reoperation rates. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, complications, and cost-effectiveness. This systematic review was registered at Prospero (International prospective register of systematic reviews) under number 42015023604.

RESULTS

The search strategy resulted in 17 potentially eligible reports. At the end, nine reports were included and eight were excluded. Overall quality of evidence was low. One trial compared IPDs to conservative treatment: IPDs presented better pain, functional status, quality of life outcomes, and higher complication risk. Five trials compared IPDs to decompressive surgery: pain, functional status, and quality of life had similar outcomes. IPD implant presented a significantly higher risk of reoperation. We found low-quality evidence that IPDs resulted in similar outcomes when compared to standard decompression surgery. Primary and secondary outcomes were not measured in all studies and were often published in incomplete form. Subgroup analysis was not feasible. Difficulty in contacting authors may have prevented us of including data in quantitative analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients submitted to IPD implants had significantly higher rates of reoperation, with lower cost-effectiveness. Future trials should improve in design quality and data reporting, with longer follow-up periods.

Preferences of orthopedic surgeons for treating midshaft clavicle fracture in adults

Objective

To determine the current clinical practice in Latin America for treating midshaft clavicle fractures, including surgical and non-surgical approaches.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a descriptive questionnaire. Shoulder and elbow surgeons from the Brazilian Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery and from the Latin American Society of Shoulder and Elbow were contacted and asked to complete a short questionnaire (SurveyMonkey^®) on the management of midshaft fractures of the clavicle. Incomplete or inconsistent answers were excluded.

Results

The type of radiographic classification preferably used was related to description of fracture morphology, according to 41% of participants. Allman classification ranked second and was used by 24.1% of participants. As to indications for surgical treatment, only the indications with shortening and imminence of skin exposure were statistically significant. Conservative treatment was chosen in cortical contact. Regarding immobilization method, the simple sling was preferred, and treatment lasted from 4 to 6 weeks. Although the result was not statistically significant, the blocked plate was the preferred option in surgical cases.

Conclusion

The treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures in Latin America is in accordance with the current literature.

Subclinical Propionibacterium acnes infection estimation in the intervertebral disc (SPInE-ID): protocol for a prospective cohort

INTRODUCTION

Low back pain and vertebral endplate abnormalities are common conditions within the population. Subclinical infection caused by indolent pathogens can potentially lead to these findings, with differentiation between them notably challenging from a clinical perspective. Progressive infection of the intervertebral disc has been extensively associated with increasing low back pain, with Propionibacterium acnes specifically implicated with in relation to sciatica. The main purpose of this study is to identify if the presence of an infective pathogen within the intervertebral disc is primary or is a result of intraoperative contamination, and whether this correlates to low back pain.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

An open prospective cohort study will be performed. Subjects included within the study will be between the ages of 18 and 65 years and have a diagnosis of lumbar disc herniation requiring open decompression surgery. Excised herniated disc fragments, muscle and ligamentum flavum samples will be collected during surgery and sent to microbiology for tissue culture and pathogen identification. Score questionnaires for pain, functionality and quality of life will be given preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. A MRI will be performed 12 months after surgery for analysis of Modic changes and baseline comparison. The primary endpoint is the rate of disc infection in patients with symptomatic degenerative disc disease. The secondary endpoints will be performance scores, Modic incidence and volume.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by our Institutional Review Board and was only initiated after it (CAAE 65102617.2.0000.0071). Patients agreeing to participate will sign an informed consent form before entering the study. Results will be published in a peer reviewed medical journal irrespective of study findings. If shown to be the case, this would have profound effects on the way physicians treat chronic low back pain, even impacting health costs.

TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT0315876; Pre-results.

Submuscular double bridge plating for complex distal fractures of the humerus: an alternative, safe, and efficient treatment method

PURPOSE

The aim of our study is to show the functional outcomes and complication rates of humeral complex fractures in adults, using osteosynthesis with two bridging orthogonal submuscular plates.

METHODS

The study consists of a prospective case series of 13 patients with isolated humeral complex fractures treated with two bridging orthogonal submuscular plates. Functional assessment was performed using disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score with 30 items. The age ranged from 22 to 68 years, with a mean age of 39 years. Functional assessment with DASH score was performed at the twelfth postoperative week.

RESULTS

All patients presented fracture healing in the fourth postoperative month. Of the 13 patients, five (38%) had a DASH score of zero (best function possible). One patient developed neuropraxis and presented with a score of 100 (worst possible). One case developed superficial infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics and local debridement.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated satisfactory functional outcome in patients with distal-third diaphyseal humeral complex fractures treated with two locked submuscular plates. The authors consider it as a safe method and an efficient alternative, especially in younger patients who require early functional recovery.

Hemarthrosis subtalar, a rare diagnosis

Type B hemophilia usually affects patients with a family history of this disease and has a typical clinical picture. However, in the present case it appeared in a patient outside the typical age with no family history of hematologic malignancies and with an unusual clinical picture.

A Preliminary Core Domain Set for Clinical Trials of Shoulder Disorders: A Report from the OMERACT 2016 Shoulder Core Outcome Set Special Interest Group

Objective.

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) Shoulder Core Outcome Set Special Interest Group (SIG) was established to develop a core outcome set (COS) for clinical trials of shoulder disorders.

Methods.

In preparation for OMERACT 2016, we systematically examined all outcome domains and measurement instruments reported in 409 randomized trials of interventions for shoulder disorders published between 1954 and 2015. Informed by these data, we conducted an international Delphi consensus study including shoulder trial experts, clinicians, and patients to identify key domains that should be included in a shoulder disorder COS. Findings were discussed at a stakeholder premeeting of OMERACT. At OMERACT 2016, we sought consensus on a preliminary core domain set and input into next steps.

Results.

There were 13 and 15 participants at the premeeting and the OMERACT 2016 SIG meeting, respectively (9 attended both meetings). Consensus was reached on a preliminary core domain set consisting of an inner core of 4 domains: pain, physical function/activity, global perceived effect, and adverse events including death. A middle core consisted of 3 domains: emotional well-being, sleep, and participation (recreation and work). An outer core of research required to inform the final COS was also formulated.

Conclusion.

Our next steps are to (1) analyze whether participation (recreation and work) should be in the inner core, (2) conduct a third Delphi round to finalize definitions and wording of domains and reach final endorsement for the domains, and (3) determine which instruments fulfill the OMERACT criteria for measuring each domain.

Interobserver reproducibility of radiographic evaluation of lumbar spine instability

OBJECTIVE:

To measure the interobserver reproducibility of the radiographic evaluation of lumbar spine instability.

METHODS:

Measurements of the dynamic radiographs of the lumbar spine in lateral view were performed, evaluating the anterior translation and the angulation among the vertebral bodies. The tests were evaluated at workstations of the organization, through the Carestream Health Vue RIS (PACS), version 11.0.12.14 Inc. 2009© system.

RESULTS:

Agreement in detecting cases of radiographic instability among the observers varied from 88.1 to 94.4%, and the agreement coefficients AC1 were all above 0.8, indicating excellent agreement.

CONCLUSION:

The interobserver analysis performed among orthopedic surgeons with different levels of training in dynamic radiographs of the spine obtained high reproducibility and agreement. However, some factors, such as the manual method of measurement and the presence of vertebral osteophytes, might have generated a few less accurate results in this comparative evaluation of measurements.

OBJETIVO:

Mensurar a reprodutibilidade interobservadores da avaliação radiográfica da instabilidade da coluna lombar.

MÉTODOS:

Foram realizadas mensurações das radiografias dinâmicas de coluna lombar na incidência em perfil, avaliando-se a translação anterior e a angulação entre os corpos vertebrais. Os exames foram avaliados em workstations da própria instituição, por meio do sistema Vue RIS (PACS) da Carestream Health, versão 11.0.12.14 Inc. 2009©.

RESULTADOS:

A proporção de concordância em detecção de casos de instabilidade radiográfica entre os observadores variou de 88,1 a 94,4%, e os coeficientes de concordância AC1 estiveram todos acima de 0,8, indicando concordância excelente.

CONCLUSÃO:

A análise interobservadores realizada entre médicos ortopedistas com diferentes níveis de treinamento em radiografias dinâmicas da coluna vertebral obteve elevada reprodutibilidade e concordância. No entanto, alguns fatores, como método manual de aferição e a presença de osteófitos vertebrais, podem ter gerado alguns resultados menos consistentes nessa avaliação comparativa de medidas.

Figure-of-eight bandage versus arm sling for treating middle-third clavicle fractures in adults: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Fracture of the clavicle is common, accounting for 2.6 to 4.0 % of all fractures, with an overall incidence of 36.5 to 64 per 100,000 per year. Around 80 % of clavicle fractures occur in the middle third of the clavicle. Randomised controlled trials comparing treatment interventions have failed to indicate the best therapeutic practices for these fractures. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects (benefits and harms) of two commonly-used conservative interventions: the figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling as treatments of middle-third clavicle fractures.

METHODS/DESIGN

This project has been designed as a single-centre, two-arm randomised controlled trial that will compare two interventions: figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling. We propose to recruit 110 adults, aged 18 years or older, with an acute (less than 10 days since injury) middle-third clavicle fracture. The primary outcomes to be evaluated will be function and/or disability measured by the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. In order to assess the secondary outcomes, the Modified University of California at Los Angeles (modified - UCLA) Shoulder Rating Scale will be used. The occurrence of pain (Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS)), treatment failure, adverse events and the ability to return to previous activities will also be recorded and evaluated as secondary outcomes.

DATA ANALYSIS

the primary outcome DASH score and the secondary outcomes - modified UCLA and VAS scores - will be analysed graphically. We will apply generalised mixed models with the intervention groups (two levels), and time-point assessments (seven levels) as fixed effects and patients as a random effect.

DISCUSSION

According to the current literature there is very limited evidence from two small trials regarding the effectiveness of different methods of conservative interventions for treating clavicle fractures. This is the first randomised controlled trial comparing the figure-of-eight bandage versus the arm sling for treating clavicle fractures that follows the CONSORT Statement guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02398006 .

Quality assessment of systematic reviews for surgical treatment of low back pain: an overview

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Low back pain is one of the most frequent reasons for medical appointments. Surgical treatment is widely controversial, and new surgical techniques and treatment modalities have been developed within the last decade. Treatment for low back pain should be evidence-based through systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Thus, the quality of these reviews is sometimes put into question as methodological mistakes are frequently seen.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to gather all systematic reviews for the surgical treatment of low back pain and analyze their outcomes, quality, and conclusion.

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This is an overview of systematic reviews.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome measures were the AMSTAR (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews) score, PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, and conclusion supported by descriptive statistics.

METHODS

A literature search for systematic reviews containing low back pain surgical treatment was conducted through different medical databases. Two investigators independently assessed all titles and abstracts for inclusion. Studies should have at least one surgical procedure as an intervention. Diagnoses were categorized as lumbar disc herniation, spondylolisthesis, stenosis, facet joint syndrome, and degenerative disc disease. Quality was assessed through the PRISMA and AMSTAR questionnaires. Study quality related to its PRISMA or AMSTAR score percentage was rated as very poor (<30%), poor (30%-50%), fair (50%-70%), good (70%-90%), and excellent (>90%). Articles were considered conclusive if they had a conclusion for their primary outcome supported by descriptive statistical evidence. This study was funded exclusively by the authors' own resources. None of the authors have any potential conflict of interest to declare.

RESULTS

Overall, there were 40 systematic reviews included. According to AMSTAR and PRISMA scores, 5% to 7.5% of the systematic reviews were rated as excellent and most of them were rated as a fair review. AMSTAR indicated that 22.5% of the reviews have very poor quality, whereas PRISMA stated that 7.5% were of very poor quality. For both tools, performing a meta-analysis made the reviews' quality significantly better. The best-rated diagnosis groups according to PRISMA were spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation, and degenerative disc disease. Considering the studies' conclusions, 25 (62.5%) out of the 40 systematic reviews had a conclusion to their primary outcome, and only 11 (27.5%) were supported by descriptive statistical analysis. This means that 44% of the systematic reviews with a conclusion were evidence-based. There were 15 (37.5%) systematic reviews that did not reach a conclusion to their primary objectives.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, most systematic reviews for low back pain do not reach very good or excellent quality, and only 27.5% of them have evidence-based conclusions. Including a meta-analysis is a significant factor to improve quality and evidence for systematic reviews.

Core domain and outcome measurement sets for shoulder pain trials are needed: systematic review of physical therapy trials

OBJECTIVES

To explore the outcome domains and measurement instruments reported in published randomized controlled trials of physical therapy interventions for shoulder pain (rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis, or nonspecific shoulder pain).

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

We included trials comparing physical therapy to any other intervention for shoulder pain, indexed up to March 2015 in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, or CINAHL Plus. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion and extracted information on the domains and measurement instruments reported.

RESULTS

We included 171 trials. Most trials measured pain (87%), function (72%), and range of movement (67%), whereas adverse events, global assessment of treatment success, strength, and health-related quality of life were measured in 18-27% of trials, and work disability and referral for surgery were measured in less than 5% of trials. Thirty-five different measurement instruments for pain and 29 for function were noted. Measurement of function increased markedly from 1973 to 2014. In rotator cuff disease trials, there was a more frequent measurement of pain and strength and a less frequent measurement of range of movement compared with adhesive capsulitis trials.

CONCLUSIONS

There was wide diversity in the domains and measurement instruments reported. Our results provide the foundation for the development of a core domain and outcome measurement set for use in future shoulder pain trials.

Femoral quadriceps neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in patients submitted to total knee arthroplasty. This was a systematic review with no language or publication status restriction. Our search was made in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. Randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials evaluating neuromuscular electrical stimulation after total knee arthroplasty were included. Four studies with moderate risk of bias and low statistical power were included, totalizing 376 participants. There was no statistically significant difference in knee function, pain and range of motion during 12 month follow-up. This review concluded that neuromuscular electrical stimulation was less effective than traditional rehabilitation in function, muscular strength and range of motion. However, this technique was useful for quadriceps activation during the first days after surgery.

Analysis of epidemiology, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors in patients with back pain admitted to an orthopedic emergency unit

Objective:

To correlate epidemiological data, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors as predictors for clinical manifestation of back pain in patients treated at the orthopedic emergency unit of a Brazilian tertiary care hospital, and to evaluate their interest in participating in a hypothetical program for physical rehabilitation.

Methods:

This is an observational cross-sectional study. We evaluated 210 patients from the emergency department of a tertiary hospital with a major complaint of back pain. We used: epidemiological multiple-choice questionnaires developed for this study; Oswestry questionnaire for physical disability; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) scale. Data analyses were performed using SAS - Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, 2001). Measurements were performed with the SAS functions Proc MEANS and Proc Freq.

Results:

The mean age was 39.1 years and there was no predominance between genders. The usual work activity was administrative (65.2% of cases). The mean body mass index was 26.0, indicating overweight. The majority (83.3%) of patients had low physical disability (Oswestry 0 – 40%). The number of medical visits in the previous 6 months (p=0.04) and the scores of anxiety and depression (p=0.05), independently, were correlated with physical disability. Most patients (77%) would agree to participate in a hypothetical program of physical rehabilitation for prevention of back pain.

Conclusion:

Patients with back pain complaints were predominantly young adults, sedentary or hypoactive, overweight, and with recurrent complaints of symptoms. Most participants had low levels of physical disability and would accept participation in a hypothetical physical rehabilitation program for the prevention of back pain.

Shockwave treatment for musculoskeletal diseases and bone consolidation: qualitative analysis of the literature

Shockwave treatment is an option within orthopedics. The exact mechanism through which shockwaves function for treating musculoskeletal diseases is unknown. The aim of this study was to make a qualitative analysis on the effectiveness of shockwave treatment among patients with musculoskeletal pathological conditions and pseudarthrosis. Searches were conducted in the Cochrane Library, Medline and Lilacs databases. Thirty-nine studies that reported using shockwave treatment for musculoskeletal diseases were found. Their results varied greatly, as did the types of protocol used. The studies that evaluated the effectiveness of shockwave treatment for lateral epicondylitis, shoulder tendinopathy, knee osteoarthrosis, femoral head osteonecrosis and trochanteric bursitis reported inconsistent results for most of their patients. Those that evaluated patients with calcifying tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy and pseudarthrosis showed benefits. Shockwave treatment is a safe and non-invasive method for chronic cases in which conventional techniques have been unsatisfactory and should be used in association with other treatment methods for tendinopathy. Further quality studies are needed.

Updates in biological therapies for knee injuries: full thickness cartilage defect

Full thickness cartilage defect might occur at different ages, but a focal defect is a major concern in the knee of young athletes. It causes impairment and does not heal by itself. Several techniques were described to treat symptomatic full thickness cartilage defect. Recently, several advances were described on the known techniques of microfracture, osteochondral allograft, cell therapy, and others. This article brings an update of current literature on these well-described techniques for full thickness cartilage defect.

Subdeltoid lipoma causing shoulder impingement syndrome - a case report

The impingement syndrome is defined by the compression of the rotator cuff tendons against the coracoacromial arch. Several factors contribute to this condition and they are classified as structural or functional factors. The former are changes in the coracoacromial arch, proximal humerus, bursa and rotator cuff, and the latter are related to the mechanism of the upper limb by means of synchronized activity and balanced between the rotator cuff and scapular girdle muscles. The authors report here a case of parosteal lipoma of the proximal humerus, located between the muscles deltoid, teres minor and infraspinatus causing clinical signs of impingement. It is a rare occurrence, characterized as a structural cause for the onset of this symptom.

Update on biological therapies for knee injuries: osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease that causes functional impairment of the joints. Chronic forms of knee OA have been increasing worldwide, limiting patients' quality of life. Recent studies have sought to increase effectiveness and quality in the development of new therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, stem cells, and nuclear factor κB, aimed principally at reducing proinflammatory activity, pain, and degeneration of the knee joints. The goal of this review is to present an update on biological therapies for knee OA and to provide guidance for future OA studies.

Epidemiology of total hip and knee replacement: a cross-sectional study

Objective:

To describe the epidemiologic characteristics and adverse events of patients submitted to total hip and total knee replacement.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study retrospectively assessing medical chart data of all total hip and total knee replacements performed at a private hospital, between January 2007 and December 2010 Patients submitted to total hip and total knee replacement, with consent of surgeons were included. Incomplete records and/or missing data of the hospital database were excluded. The categorical variables analyzed were age, gender, type of arthroplasty (primary or secondary), type of procedure, duration of surgery, use of drains, risk of infection, compliance to protocol for prevention of deep venous thrombosis and embolism pulmonary, and compliance to the protocol for prevention of infection. The outcomes assessed were adverse events after surgery.

Results:

A total of 510 patients were included; in that, 166 admissions for knee replacements (92 male) and 344 admissions for hip replacements (176 female). The mean age of patients was 71 years (range 31-99 years). Adverse events were reported in 76 patients (14.9%); there was no correlation between assessed variables and number of complications.

Conclusion:

The results showed no individual factors favoring complications in patients submitted to total hip and total knee replacement; hence, surgeons should consider prophylaxis to avoid complications.

Spine surgery cost reduction at a specialized treatment center

Objective

To compare the estimated cost of treatment of spinal disorders to those of this treatment in a specialized center.

Methods

An evaluation of average treatment costs of 399 patients referred by a Health Insurance Company for evaluation and treatment at the Spine Treatment Reference Center of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. All patients presented with an indication for surgical treatment before being referred for assessment. Of the total number of patients referred, only 54 underwent surgical treatment and 112 received a conservative treatment with motor physical therapy and acupuncture. The costs of both treatments were calculated based on a previously agreed table of values for reimbursement for each phase of treatment.

Results

Patients treated non-surgically had an average treatment cost of US$ 1,650.00, while patients treated surgically had an average cost of US$ 18,520.00. The total estimated cost of the cohort of patients treated was US$ 1,184,810.00, which represents a 158.5% decrease relative to the total cost projected for these same patients if the initial type of treatment indicated were performed.

Conclusion

Treatment carried out within a center specialized in treating spine pathologies has global costs lower than those regularly observed.

Reproducibility of three classifications of proximal humeral fractures

OBJECTIVE: To propose a new system for classifying proximal humeral neck fractures, and to evaluate intra- and interobserver agreement using the Neer system that is the most commonly used in the area and the Arbeit Gemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen system created by an European group, and a new classification system proposed by the authors of this study. METHODS: A total of 56 patients with proximal humeral fractures were selected, and submitted to digitized simple radiography in antero-posterior shoulder and scapular profile. Radiographs were analyzed by three observers at time one, and then three and six weeks later. The kappa coefficient modified by Fleiss was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The mean intra-observer Kappa agreement index (k=0.687) of the new classification, was higher than both the Neer classification (k=0.362) and the Arbeit Gemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (k=0.46). The mean interobserver Kappa agreement index (0.446) of the new classification, also had better results than both the Neer classification (k=0.063) and the Arbeit Gemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (k=0.028). CONCLUSION: the new classification considering bone compression had higher results for intra- and interobserver compared to the Neer system, and the Arbeit Gemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen system.

Treatment of Bankart lesions in traumatic anterior instability of the shoulder: a randomized controlled trial comparing arthroscopy and open techniques

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to compare the functional assessments of arthroscopy and open repair for treating Bankart lesion in traumatic anterior shoulder instability.

METHODS

Fifty adult patients, aged less than 40 years, with traumatic anterior shoulder instability and the presence of an isolated Bankart lesion confirmed by diagnostic arthroscopy were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive open or arthroscopic treatment of an isolated Bankart lesion. In all cases of both groups, the lesion was repaired with metallic suture anchors. The primary outcomes included the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 37.5 months, 42 patients were evaluated. On the DASH scale, there was a statistically significant difference favorable to the patients treated with the arthroscopic technique, but without clinical relevance. There was no difference in the assessments by University of California, Los Angeles and Rowe scales. There was no statistically significant difference regarding complications and failures, as well as range of motion, for the 2 techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of this study, the open and arthroscopic techniques were effective in the treatment of traumatic anterior shoulder instability. The arthroscopic technique showed a lower index of functional limitation of the upper limb, as assessed by the DASH questionnaire; this, however, was not clinically relevant.

LHON mutations in Italian patients affected by multiple sclerosis

The occurrence of a multiple sclerosis (MS)-like phenotype in subjects carrying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations associated with Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) has suggested that mitochondrial genes may contribute to susceptibility to MS. With the present study 74 unrelated Italian patients (53 females and 21 males; mean age 37.9, SD 9.9, range 20-59) affected by MS with early and prominent optic nerve involvement and 99 normal control subjects were analysed for the presence of primary (nps 11778, 3460, 14484) and an alleged secondary one (np 15257) LHON mutations. A single MS patient carrying a virtually homoplasmic LHON mutation at np 11778 was found. Family history revealed a maternal uncle affected by MS, decreased at age of 64 in consequence of a stroke. The patient's mother harboured the same mutation in a homoplasmic way. Primary LHON mutations were not detected in any other MS patient or control. Of the MS patients 5.4% (4 out of 74), and 5.1% (5 out of 99) of the controls carried the 15257 mutation in a homoplasmic state. Present data do not support any contribution of primary LHON mutations to genetically determined susceptibility in MS. There is no evidence that the 15257 mutation has any pathogenetic significance in the Italian population.