The anti-epileptic effect of anterior thalamic DBS may be dependent on stimulation site especially in the anterior to posterior axis. Extensive anatomical variation confounds severely the targeting of ANT. Therefore, direct visualization of the desired target for stimulation is essential for favourable outcome in refractory epilepsy.

Double-bundle ACL reconstruction resulted in significantly fewer graft failures than single-bundle ACL reconstruction during the follow-up. Knee stability and OA rates were similar at 10 years. The most severe OA changes were found in the patients who had the longest delay from the primary injury to ACL reconstruction and in the patients who underwent partial meniscal resection at the time of ACL reconstruction.

BackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a minimally invasive and reversible method to treat an increasing number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy. Targeting poorly defined deep structures is based in large degree on stereotactic atlas information, which may be a major source of inconsistent treatment effects.Aim of the studyIn the present study, we aimed to study whether a recently approved target for epilepsy (anterior nucleus of thalamus, ANT) is visualized in clinically established 3 T MRI and whether ANT is delineated using intraoperative microelectrode recording (MER). We have especially focused on individual variation in the location of ANT in stereotactic space. We also aimed to demonstrate the role of individual variation in interpretation of MER data by projecting samples onto AC–PC (anterior and posterior commissure) and ANT-normalized coordinate systems.MethodsDetailed analysis of ANT delineations in 3 T MRI short tau inversion recovery (STIR) images from eight patients undergoing DBS for refractory epilepsy was performed. Coronal and sagittal cross-sectional models of ANT were plotted in the AC–PC coordinate system to study individual variation. A total of 186 MER samples collected from 10 DBS trajectories and 5 patients were analyzed, and the location of each sample was calculated and corrected accordingly to the location of the final DBS electrode and projected to the AC–PC or coordinate system normalized to ANT.ResultsMost of the key structures in the anatomic atlas around ANT (mammillothalamic tract and external medullary lamina) were identified in STIR images allowing visual delineation of ANT. We observed a high degree of anatomical variation in the location of ANT, and the cross-sectional areas overlapped by study patients decreased in a linear fashion with an increasing number of patients. MER information from 10 individual trajectories correlated with STIR signal characteristics by demonstrating a spike-negative zone, presumably white matter layer, at the lateral aspect of ANT in ANT-normalized coordinate system as predicted by STIR images. However, MER information projected to the AC–PC coordinate system was not able to delineate ANT.ConclusionsANT is delineated in 3 T MRI by visualization of a thin white matter lamina between ANT and other nuclear groups that lack spiking activity. Direct targeting in the anterior thalamic area is superior to indirect targeting due to extensive individual variation in the location of ANT. Without detailed imaging information, however, a single trajectory MER has little localizing value.

ObjectivesTo assess the long-term effects of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) on the development of radiographic knee osteoarthritis, and on knee symptoms and function, at 5 years follow-up.DesignMulticentre, randomised, participant- and outcome assessor-blinded, placebo-surgery controlled trial.SettingOrthopaedic departments in five public hospitals in Finland.Participants146 adults, mean age 52 years (range 35–65 years), with knee symptoms consistent with degenerative medial meniscus tear verified by MRI scan and arthroscopically, and no clinical signs of knee osteoarthritis were randomised.InterventionsAPM or placebo surgery (diagnostic knee arthroscopy).Main outcome measuresWe used two indices of radiographic knee osteoarthritis (increase in Kellgren and Lawrence grade ≥1, and increase in Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) atlas radiographic joint space narrowing and osteophyte sum score, respectively), and three validated patient-relevant measures of knee symptoms and function (Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET), Lysholm, and knee pain after exercise using a numerical rating scale).ResultsThere was a consistent, slightly greater risk for progression of radiographic knee osteoarthritis in the APM group as compared with the placebo surgery group (adjusted absolute risk difference in increase in Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1 of 13%, 95% CI −2% to 28%; adjusted absolute mean difference in OARSI sum score 0.7, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.3). There were no relevant between-group differences in the three patient-reported outcomes: adjusted absolute mean differences (APM vs placebo surgery), −1.7 (95% CI −7.7 to 4.3) in WOMET, −2.1 (95% CI −6.8 to 2.6) in Lysholm knee score, and −0.04 (95% CI −0.81 to 0.72) in knee pain after exercise, respectively. The corresponding adjusted absolute risk difference in the presence of mechanical symptoms was 18% (95% CI 5% to 31%); there were more symptoms reported in the APM group. All other secondary outcomes comparisons were similar.ConclusionsAPM was associated with a slightly increased risk of developing radiographic knee osteoarthritis and no concomitant benefit in patient-relevant outcomes, at 5 years after surgery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01052233 and NCT00549172).

Background: Patellofemoral cartilage deterioration and osteoarthritis are reported to be associated