1.
Effectiveness of ankle fusion in patients with hemophilia, advanced ankle degeneration, and unbearable pain for whom nonsurgical and surgical treatments have been ineffective
Rodriguez-Merchan EC, Encinas-Ullan CA, Giomez-Cardero P
Expert review of hematology. 2021
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In underdeveloped countries, patients with hemophilia often experience repetitive ankle joint hemorrhages due to a shortage of coagulation factors (factor VIII [FVIII] and factor IX [FIX] for hemophilia A and B, respectively). AREAS COVERED This is a narrative literature review in which we searched the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE for articles related to ankle arthrodesis in patients with hemophilia. The searches covered the period from the databases´ inception to February 28, 2021. In the event of unsuccessful hematologic prophylaxis and conservative measures (e.g., analgesics, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, taping, intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, physical and rehabilitation medicine, orthoses, radiosynovectomy, and joint-preserving surgery (e.g., removal of the distal tibia by open surgery or by arthroscopic surgery, joint debridement by arthroscopic surgery), the only surgical solution is ankle arthrodesis, which does not preserve the ankle joint. EXPERT OPINION Ankle pain is reduced after ankle arthrodesis (75% of patients experience no pain). Approximately 5% of patients require reoperation due to lack of fusion, and deep infection occurs in 2.5%. After tibiotalar fusion, a self-reported activity scale shows that approximately 12% of patients improve, 9% worsen, and 79% show no improvement. The results of ankle arthrodesis therefore appear to be poor.
2.
Iliopsoas hematomas in people with hemophilia: diagnosis and treatment
Rodriguez-Merchan EC, De la Corte-Rodriguez H
Expert Rev Hematol. 2020
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iliopsoas muscle hemorrhage in patients with hemophilia is a serious complication with relevant related morbidity. AREAS COVERED A Cochrane Library and PubMed (MEDLINE) search of studies related to iliopsoas hematomas in hemophilia was analyzed. Pain in the hip joint area and femoral nerve involvement in people with hemophilia should alert physicians to the likelihood of a hemorrhage of the iliopsoas muscle. Clinically, reduced hip range of motion and deficient motor and sensory function of the femoral nerve can be found. Imaging studies, such as ultrasonography (US), CT scan, and MRI will confirm the diagnosis. The first-line therapy for iliopsoas hematoma must be conservative (hematological treatment using high-dose replacement therapy until full resorption monitored by means of imaging studies). Related femoral nerve involvement typically resolves with conservative treatment (rehabilitation). Pelvic hemophilic pseudotumors can occur in patients with hemophilia due to recurrent iliopsoas muscle bleeding, often related to late diagnosis and poor hemostasis. EXPERT OPINION Long-term clotting factor replacement is the pillar of management of iliopsoas hematomas. Percutaneous US-guided aspiration of blood can be performed in hematomas of large size. However, the rate of failed aspirations and hematoma repetition is substantial (13%).