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Introduction: The modified 5-item frailty index (mFI-5) has been recently proposed as a useful tool for predicting postoperative complications in orthopedic surgery. We aimed to analyze the utility of this score in predicting complications and reoperations after hallux valgus (HV) deformity surgery.

Background:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results in a group of patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis with an endomedullary screw fixation technique (MPA-E).Methods:Between 2003 and 2009, 101 metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis were performed in 76 patients. There were 64 women and 12 men with an average age of 68 years. The indication for surgery was osteoarthritis with severe pain and functional limitation. Patients were evaluated radiologically and with the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) at an average follow-up of 32 months (range, 24-92 months).Results:The success rate was 93%, with an increase of the average preoperative AOFAS from 38.5 points to 85.5 points postoperatively (P < .0001). The consolidation rate after radiological evaluation was 90.1%; there were 5 cases (5.0%) with asymptomatic nonunion and 5 cases (5.0%) with poor results because of symptomatic nonunion. Screw removal was needed in 4 feet (4.0%), and 2 feet (2.0%) had acute postoperative superficial infection. No implant cutout was observed.Conclusion:The MPA-E technique provided consistent and high functional outcomes. This valid and effective alternative should be considered as an option for hallux metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis.Level of Evidence:Level IV, retrospective case series.

This research aims to design and implement tools and methods focused at the assessment of the thermal properties of full size Rectangular Straw Bales (RSB) of various nature and origin, because their thermal behaviour is one of the key topics in market development of sustainable building materials. As a first approach a method based on a Hot-Box in agreement with the ASTM C1363 - 11 standard was adopted. This method was found to be difficult for the accurate measurement of energy flows. Instead, a method based on a constant energy input was developed. With this approach the thermal conductivity of a Rectangular Straw-Bale (RSB l) can be determined by knowing the thermal conductivity of the materials used to build the chamber and the internal and external temperature of the samples and of the chamber. A measurement a metering chamber was built and placed inside a climate chamber, maintained at constant temperature. A known quantity of energy was introduced inside the metering chamber. A series of thermopiles detects the temperature of the internal and external surfaces of the metering chamber and of the specimens allowing to calculate the thermal conductivity of RSB in its natural shape. Different cereal samples were tested. The values were found consistent with those published in scientific literature.