Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery最新文献

BackgroundThis study aims to compare the performance of two artificial intelligence (AI) models, ChatGPT-4.0 and DeepSeek-R1, in addressing clinical questions related to degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) using the North American Spine Society (NASS) guidelines as the benchmark.Methods15 clinical questions spanning five domains (diagnostic criteria, non-surgical management, surgical indications, perioperative care, and emerging controversies) were designed based on the 2013 NASS evidence-based clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of DLSS. Responses from both models were independently evaluated by two board-certified spine surgeons across four metrics: accuracy, completeness, supplementality, and misinformation. Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Cohen's κ coefficient, while Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests were employed to analyze statistical differences between models.ResultsDeepSeek-R1 demonstrated superior performance over ChatGPT-4.0 in accuracy (median score: 3 vs 2, P = 0.009), completeness (2 vs 1, P = 0.010), and supplementality (2 vs 1, P = 0.018). Both models exhibited comparable performance in avoiding misinformation (P = 0.671). DeepSeek-R1 achieved higher inter-rater agreement in accuracy (κ = 0.727 vs 0.615), whereas ChatGPT-4.0 showed stronger consistency in ssupplementality (κ = 0.792 vs 0.762).ConclusionsWhile both AI models demonstrate potential for clinical decision support, DeepSeek-R1 aligns more closely with NASS guidelines. ChatGPT-4.0 excels in providing supplementary insights but exhibits variability in accuracy. These findings underscore the need for domain-specific optimization of AI models to enhance reliability in medical applications.

BackgroundExternal fixation for geriatric C-type distal radius fractures (DRF) often restricts early wrist motion. This study compares a strategy of early mobilization after 3-4 weeks of external fixation with lightweight support against the conventional approach of 6-7 weeks of continuous external fixation.MethodsA total of 174 patients aged 60 or older with C-type DRF were included. They were assigned to either an early mobilization group (n = 86), where external fixation was replaced with a lightweight support at 3-4 weeks, or a control group (n = 88) with conventional 6-7 weeks of external fixation. Outcomes included radiographic measures, functional scores (Gartland-Werley and Quick DASH), and satisfaction.ResultsAt week 7, no significant difference in radiographic data was observed between groups (all P > 0.05). At month 12, the control group showed better radiographic outcomes (P = 0.03). The early mobilization group had better functional scores at week 7 for both Gartland-Werley (P = 0.01) and Quick DASH (P = 0.02) compared to the control group. At 6 and 12 months, no significant differences were found between groups in either score (all P > 0.05). Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the early mobilization group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in complication rates (P = 0.13).ConclusionTransitioning to early mobilization after 3-4 weeks of external fixation facilitates earlier functional recovery and improves patient satisfaction compared to prolonged immobilization, despite a slight increase in ulnar variance that did not impact functional outcomes.

BackgroundTraumatic arthritis leads to progressive cartilage degeneration, ultimately causing joint dysfunction. Due to cartilage's limited ability to self-repair, damage often extends to bone and joint tissues. This study investigates the correlation between prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) expression and cartilage injury in traumatic arthritis, aiming to assess PTGS2 as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.MethodsWe analyzed data from 181 patients diagnosed with traumatic arthritis between January 2022 and August 2024. Serum levels of PTGS2 and cartilage biomarkers were measured and compared between patients with and without cartilage injury. Logistic regression and ROC curve analysis were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of PTGS2.ResultsPTGS2 levels were significantly higher in patients with cartilage injury compared to those without (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that PTGS2 was positively correlated with cartilage biomarkers (COMP, CTX-II) and identified as an independent risk factor for cartilage injury. ROC analysis revealed that PTGS2 had good diagnostic performance with an AUC of 0.820, sensitivity of 94%, and specificity of 68.42%.ConclusionPTGS2 is a promising biomarker for diagnosing cartilage injury in post-traumatic osteoarthritis and may serve as a target for early diagnosis and treatment.

BackgroundWhile there is a clear trend towards less invasive spinal procedures in recent years, determining what specifically constitutes minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for spinal fusion procedures can be challenging as published definitions are heterogeneous and address only select factors.PurposeTo utilize a Delphi Consensus Panel (DCP) process to build consensus among panelists regarding the definition of MIS for spinal fusion and define a consensus around best practices for adopting MIS technologies.MethodsDCP is a widely accepted method of qualitative data collection and analysis used for generating consensus from panel members. The DCP consisted of 2 online questionnaires completed by 11 expert panelists. Round 1 included 7 multiple choice demographics and 11 open-ended questions. Round 1 responses were analyzed to inform the development of statements for further assessment in Round 2. Round 2 included 93 closed-ended, 5-point Likert scale questions and 11 open-ended questions. Consensus was defined as agreement among at least 8 out of 11 panelists.ResultsConsensus was reached on 56 out of 93 statements regarding spinal fusion and/or fixation procedures. There was a high degree of consensus around the role of reduced tissue trauma, patient recovery time, hospital length of stay, and post-operative pain for MIS spinal fusion procedures compared to open procedures; and the value of various technologies in performing MIS spinal fusion procedures.ConclusionA consistent definition of what constitutes MIS for spinal fusion may help drive consistency across surgeons, facilities, and payers to define clinical and economic implications for these approaches.

PurposeThe proximal femur is a region frequently affected by pathological fractures due to metastases. Partial head megaprostheses are among the surgical options that can be preferred for treating pathological fractures in this area. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of various factors on the functional outcomes and mortality of patients with actual proximal femoral fractures treated with a megaprosthesis.MethodsThe study included 28 patients. None of these patients had impending fractures; all of them had actual pathological fractures. Functional outcomes were assessed using VAS improvement, MSTS, and KPS scores, in relation to factors including age, cancer diagnosis before fracture, additional fracture, bone metastasis, visceral metastases, postoperative oncological treatment, preservation of the trochanter major, and type of cancer. These same factors were also considered in the survival analysis. The impact of knowing the cancer diagnosis prior to the fracture on time to surgery was also evaluated.ResultsPatients showed a mean VAS improvement of 5.8 ± 1.3, with median postoperative MSTS and KPS scores of 18 (range:12-23) and 65 (range:40-80), respectively. Younger patients had significantly better functional outcomes (p < 0.05). Other clinical factors had no significant effect on functions. Visceral metastases negatively impacted survival (p = 0.044), while younger age (p = 0.029), favorable cancer type (p < 0.001), and receiving postoperative oncological treatment improved survival (p = 0.049). Time to surgery was longer in patients without a prior cancer diagnosis (p < 0.001), though this did not affect survival (p = 0.888).ConclusionMegaprostheses in the treatment of actual metastatic fractures of the proximal femur provide excellent pain relief and satisfactory functional improvement. Functional outcomes were associated with age, while survival was influenced by age, cancer type, presence of visceral metastases, and whether postoperative oncological treatment was received. Although the preoperative time to surgery was longer in patients without a prior cancer diagnosis, survival was not affected by whether the diagnosis was known before the fracture.Level of EvidenceIV.

PurposeTo provide preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a novel surgical technique using patient-specific 3D-printed titanium prosthesis/autograft composite (3D-PAC) in reconstruction of a large osteoarticular metacarpal defect.Material and methodsSeven patients (4 women, 3 men; mean age, 30 years; mean follow-up duration, 37.4 months (range, 12-73 months)) with large osteoarticular metacarpal defect who were treated with 3D-PAC reconstruction between January 2018 and November 2024 were included in the study. The etiologies were bone tumors in 4 patients, and open fracture in 3 patients.ResultsAt the final follow-up, mean metacarpophalangeal (MCP) extension was 2.1° (range, 0°-10°), and flexion was 52.9° (range, 30°-90°). Mean total active motion of the involved digit was 185.7 (range, 110°-270°) with 3 excellent cases, 3 good cases, and 1 fair case. Mean grip strength was 71.3 % (range, 40%-91%), and key pinch strength was 84.7% (range, 50%-128%) of the contralateral side. Mean visual analog scale score was 0.6 (range, 0-2), Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire score was 70.3 (range, 52.4-83.1), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 12.9 (range, 4.2-21.7). One patient developed persistent periprosthetic joint infection which required prosthetic removal and converted to arthrodesis. No mechanical complications including aseptic loosening, and implant breakage was revealed. All were satisfied with the function and cosmesis of reconstructive hands.ConclusionPatient-specific 3D-printed titanium prosthesis/autograft composite reconstruction appears to be effective in treatment of large osteoarticular defect of metacarpal in a pilot study. Although suboptimal MCP flexion and decreased hand strength were revealed, such joint motion-sparing procedure was useful to achieve satisfactory hand function and cosmesis. Further studies with a larger sample size compared with the conventional treatments are required to validate the benefits of 3D-PAC reconstruction.

Background and AimInsertional Achilles tendinopathy (IAT) is a degenerative disorder characterized by pain and functional limitation at the tendon's calcaneal insertion. Surgical intervention is indicated when nonoperative management fails. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes of calcaneal osteotomy with and without Achilles tendon reinsertion in patients with IAT.MethodsIn this double-blind randomized clinical trial, 42 patients (mean age: 52.25 ± 6.72 years; 69.0% male) with IAT were allocated equally to osteotomy with reinsertion (n = 21) or without reinsertion (n = 21). Functional status and pain were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain at rest and during activity. Complication rates were also recorded.ResultsIn the reinsertion group, mean AOFAS scores improved from 51.00 ± 14.81 preoperatively to 66.33 ± 12.59 (3 months), 68.81 ± 20.54 (6 months), and 68.81 ± 20.54 (9 months). In the non-reinsertion group, scores improved from 55.10 ± 12.84 to 63.67 ± 14.22, 70.38 ± 13.14, and 70.38 ± 13.14, respectively. VAS scores for pain during activity and rest decreased progressively in both groups, approaching near-zero levels by 9 months. No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for AOFAS or VAS improvements (p > 0.05). Complication rates were low and comparable between groups.ConclusionBoth surgical techniques provided significant and sustained pain reduction and functional improvement over 9 months. Achilles tendon reinsertion did not confer measurable short-term advantages when a substantial portion of the native insertion was preserved, although potential long-term biomechanical benefits needs further investigation.