ObjectiveTo evaluate the predictive value of intraoperative frozen section analysis of the Delphian lymph node (DLN) and pretracheal lymph node (PLN) for central lymph node metastasis (LNM) and recurrence risk stratification in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). MethodsThis retrospective study included 133 DTC patients who underwent initial surgery with intraoperative frozen section evaluation of the DLN and PLN at the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Union Hospital, Wuhan, between January 2023 and December 2024. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive value of DLN/PLN metastasis count and ratio for central LNM and recurrence risk stratification. The concordance between intraoperative frozen pathology and final postoperative pathology was also evaluated. ResultsMultivariate analysis identified age (<20 or >50 years) as protective factor (OR=0.332, P=0.012) and capsular invasion as risk factors for DLN/PLN metastasis (OR=2.823, P=0.017). DLN/PLN metastasis number and ratio showed strong predictive performance for central LNM >5 nodes, with AUC of 0.913 [95%CI (0.841, 0.986), P<0.001] and 0.910 [95%CI (0.837, 0.983), P<0.001], and optimal cut-off values of 1.5 nodes and 45.00%, respectively. For predicting intermediate-to-high recurrence risk, AUCs were 0.818 [95%CI (0.740, 0.895), P<0.001] and 0.800 [95%CI (0.720, 0.880), P<0.001], with cut-offs of 0.5 nodes and 26.79%, respectively. Intraoperative frozen pathology demonstrated a sensitivity of 88.00% (66/75), specificity of 100.00% (58/58), positive predictive value of 100.00% (66/66), and negative predictive value of 86.57% (58/67). Concordance with postoperative pathology was high, with a Kappa value of 0.849 [95%CI (0.761, 0.937), P<0.001] and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.917 [95%CI (0.885, 0.940), P<0.001]. ConclusionsIntraoperative frozen section analysis of the DLN and PLN demonstrates reliable predictive value for central LNM and recurrence risk stratification in DTC. This method may help identify patients who could benefit from an extended surgical approach and is recommended as a valuable adjunct to intraoperative decision-making.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of suture augmentation (SA) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. MethodsA comprehensive review of recent literature about SA in ACL reconstruction at home and abroad was conducted. The efficacy of SA in ACL reconstruction was evaluated by examining the definition, biomechanics, and histological studies of SA, along with its clinical application status in ACL reconstruction. ResultsSA demonstrates significant advantages in enhancing the biomechanical stability of ACL grafts, reducing the risk of re-rupture, and accelerating postoperative recovery. Specifically, SA improves graft stiffness, ultimate failure strength, and cyclic stability, thereby diminishing the risk of early postoperative failure and joint instability. Histologically, it fosters remodeling and tendon-bone integration through early load-sharing mechanisms; however, stress shielding may interfere with natural remodeling processes, warranting further attention. Clinically, SA reduces graft failure rates and the need for revision surgeries, markedly improving knee joint stability and functional recovery in young patients. Nevertheless, its impact on graft maturation and potential complications remains controversial. ConclusionDespite the many advantages of SA in ACL reconstruction, future endeavors should focus on optimizing tensioning techniques, developing bioactive materials, and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical value and scope of applicability, providing a more reliable solution for ACL reconstruction.