Lucas DA Ponte Melo

Objective: To analyse the distances between the femoral insertions of the popliteus tendon (PT) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) through dissections of cadaveric specimens in a mixed population. Methods: Fresh cadavers were dissected, and the anthropometric data of all specimens were recorded. The distances from the origin of the PT to the LCL in the femoral region and the diameter of each structure were measured using a digital calliper. Results: In total, 11 unpaired knees were dissected, eight men and three women, with an average age of 71.5 ± 15.2 years, weight of 57.2 ± 15.6 kg, and a mean height of 170.5 ± 8.2 cm. The distance from the center of the femoral footprint of the LCL to the PT was 10.0 ± 2.4 mm. The distances between the edges closest to each other and those more distant from each other were 3.1 ± 1.1 mm and 16.3 ± 2.4 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The distance between the midpoints of the PT and the LCL in our mixed population is smaller than the distances often reported in the literature. PLC reconstruction with separate tunnels for the LCL and PT may not be technically possible for individuals of any population. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic studies.

Objective: To evaluate the profile of blood loss and blood transfusions after the introduction of Tranexamic acid (TXA) in a tertiary university hospital in Brazil. Methods: 173 patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: the ones who received TXA and the control group. Hemoglobin levels (Hb), drain output, transfusion rates, and thromboembolic events were measured. Results: Among the patients included in this study, 82 cases received TXA. Blood transfusion occurred in 3 cases of the TXA group (3.7%), and in 27 control group cases (29.7%; p < 0.001). The average Hb decrease was 2.7 g/dl (± 1.39) and the median drain output was 270 mL in the TXA group. In the control group, the values were 3.41 g/dl (± 1.34; p < 0.001) and 460 mL (p < 0.001), respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred in 2 TXA group cases (2.4%) and in 3 control group cases (3.3%; p > 0.999). Conclusion: TXA was effective in reducing blood transfusion rates, Hb decrease, and drain output on the 1st postoperative day without increasing thromboembolic events. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

Objectives: To analyze, through DATASUS data, the historical trend of revision of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the period between 2008-2016 and to relate them to demographic, regional and national aspects. Methods: Elaboration of a historical series between the period 2008-2016, using the database of DATASUS, in the area of Health Information (TABNET). In order to calculate the incidence, the total number of TKA revisions and as denominator the total national, regional or state population for the period studied was used as numerator. Results: The national rate of procedures per 100,000 inhabitants varied between 0.41 and 0.48 in the analyzed period (mean of 0.44). The Southeast region, with 69% of the SBCJ accredited services and 61% of the SBCJ members, was responsible for 60% of the absolute number of procedures performed in Brazil. Conclusions: In absolute numbers, the Southeast region has the highest volume of procedures. However, the highest rate is found in the South region. The North, Northeast and Central-West regions presented unsatisfactory results, well below the others. Level of evidence IV, Economic and decision analysis - development of economic model or decision.