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Osteochondritis dissecans(OCD) of the knee is identified with increasing frequency in the adolescent patient. Left untreated, OCD can cause significant impairment and restriction in physical activity and development of osteoarthritis at an early age. The diagnosis of lesions of OCD can be confirmed on plain radiographs. MRI has emerged as the gold standard to evaluate the stability of the lesion and the integrity of the overlying articular cartilage. Treatment of OCD lesions depend on the stability of the lesion. Stable lesions can be treated conservatively by physical activity modification and immobilization. Unstable lesions and stable lesions not responding to conservative measures should be treated surgically. Surgical options range from arthroscopic drilling, either transarticular or extra-articular drilling for stable lesions or salvage procedures such as autologous chondrocyte transplantation (ACT), mosaicplasty to restore joint and cartilage congruency.

Background: Though mid-term survival rates of over 95% in several series have been published, there is still a paucity of related literature regarding the role of vertical stem instability in the osteointegration of fluted tapered stems. This paper presents a comprehensive and prospective assessment on short-term experiences with uncemented modular femoral stem in the treatment of defective femur during revision surgery of total hip replacement. Materials and methods: Clinical and radiological monitoring of 20 consecutive patients with implanted tapered fluted revision stem (Lima Corporate, Udine, Italy) was of 27 months in average (20–35 months). The average pre-operative Merle d’Aubigné and Postel method score was 6.3 points (3–10 points). The frequency of femur defects, classified according to Paprosky, was IIIA = 9 and IIIB = 11. Results: During last follow-up, the Merle d’Aubigné and Postel hip score was on average 11.7 (6–16 points). Compared to post-operation radiograph, stem migration of 1.9 mm (0–11 mm) on average was found. This vertical stem migration was observed only when comparing hip radiographs immediately after surgery, and at 6 weeks post-surgery. The Paprosky IIIA defects group, presented a subsided stem by an average of 1.5 mm. In the group of Paprosky IIIB defects, the stem subsidence was on average 2.3 mm. All 20 patients in the study showed excellent osteointegration of the uncemented revision modular stem. Conclusions: This study found and excellent osteointegration of the Lima uncemented tapered fluted revision modular stem in defective femur with a cortical bone segment present in the diaphyseal isthmus area. The initial vertical instability leading to stem migrating during the first six weeks following surgery did not, however, affect its osteointegration.

Our case-based review focuses on limb salvage through operative management of Charcot neuroarthropathy of the diabetic foot. We describe a case, when a below-knee amputation was considered in a patient with chronic Charcot foot with a rocker-bottom deformity and chronic plantar ulceration. Conservative treatment failed. Targeted antibiotic therapy and operative management (Tendo-Achilles lengthening, resectional arthrodesis of Lisfranc and midtarsal joints, fixation with large-diameter axial screws, and plaster cast) were performed. On the basis of this case, we discuss options and drawbacks of surgical management. Our approach led to healing of the ulcer and correction of the deformity. Two years after surgery, we observed a significant improvement in patient’s quality of life. Advanced diagnostic and imaging techniques, a better understanding of the biomechanics and biology of Charcot neuroarthropathy, and suitable osteosynthetic material enables diabetic limb salvage.

Periprosthetic fractures are the third most common reason for revision total hip arthroplasty. Surgical treatment of periprosthetic fractures belongs to the most difficult procedures due to the extensive surgery, elderly polymorbid patients and the high frequency of other complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of operatively treated periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty.We evaluated 47 periprosthetic fractures in 40 patients (18 men and 22 women) operated on between January 2004 and December 2010. The mean follow-up period was 27 months (within a range of 12–45 months). For the clinical evaluation, we used modified Merle d’Aubigné scoring system.In group of Vancouver A fractures, 3 patients were treated with a mean score of 15.7 points (good result). We recorded a mean score of 14.2 points (fair result) in 6 patients with Vancouver B1 fractures, 12.4 points (fair result) in 24 patients with Vancouver B2 fractures and 12.7 points (fair result) in 7 patients with Vancouver B3 fractures. In group of Vancouver C fractures, we found a mean score of 16.2 points (good result) in 7 patients.Therapeutic algorithm based on the Vancouver classification system is, in our opinion, satisfactory. Accurate differentiation of B1 and B2 type of fractures is essential. Preoperative radiographic images may not be reliable. If in doubt, checking the stability of the prosthesis fixation during surgery should be performed.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Parkinson’s disease during a period of five years, focusing on the assessment of the risks and benefits of surgery. During this period we performed total hip arthroplasty in 14 patients (15 hips) with Parkinson’s disease. Patients were evaluated by subjective symptoms and objective findings, with a focus on the use of support while walking and walking distance, severity of Parkinson’s disease before surgery and at the time of the last follow-up. During the postoperative period, the following parameters were assessed: length of ICU stay, mobilization, complications, the total duration of hospitalization and follow-up care after discharge.Of the 11 patients (12 hips) followed-up 1–5 years with an average of 3 years after operation 8 cases showed progression of neurological disability. 5 patients (6 hips) showed an increased dependence on the use of support when walking and reduced distance that the patient was able to walk. Subjectively, 10 hip joints were completely painless and 2 patients complained of only occasional mild pain in the operated hip. Complications that were encountered were urinary tract infection (5 patients), cognitive impairment (3 patients) and pressure ulcer (2 patients). We did not observe any infection or dislocation of the prosthesis. Three patients fell and fractured the femur and 3 patients in our cohort died during follow up.Implantation of total replacement is possible with judicious indication after careful evaluation of neurological finding in patients with minimal or mild functional impairment of the locomotor system. Prerequisite for a good result is precise surgical technique and optimal implant position with balanced tension of the muscles and other soft tissues around the hip.

Charcot foot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is a disorder affecting the soft tissues, joints, and bones of the foot and ankle. The disease is triggered in a susceptible individual through a process of uncontrolled inflammation leading to osteolysis, progressive fractures and articular malpositioning due to joint subluxations and dislocations. The progression of the chronic deformity with a collapsed plantar arch leads to plantar ulcerations because of increased pressure on the plantar osseous prominences and decreased plantar sensation. Subsequent deep soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis may result in amputation. The Charcot foot in diabetes represents an important diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in clinical practice. Conservative treatment remains the standard of the care for most patients with neuropathic disorder. Offloading the foot and immobilization based on individual merit are essential and are the most important recommendations in the active acute stage of the Charcot foot. Surgical realignment with stabilization is recommended in severe progressive neuropathic deformities consisting of a collapsed plantar arch with a rocker-bottom foot deformity.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach to the spastic hip subluxation and dislocation in children with cerebral palsy. We evaluated 56 hips in our consecutive patients who had been operated on at our department between January 2003 and December 2005. There were done soft-tissue release procedures in 42 hips, osseous reconstructive surgery in 11 hips and osseous palliative surgery in 3 hips. The duration of follow-ups was 1–3 years after surgery. We achieved good result in 15 hips after soft-tissue release, fifteen hips had a fair result, nine a poor result and three a failure. No redislocation was observed after osseous surgery in our patients. Two patients observed no pain after osseous palliative surgery, transient pain in the hip was in one case. In all hips the range of motion (abduction) was increased. The personal hygiene and possibilities of rehabilitation were improved. Childhood is the optimal time to intervene to maximize the function of the patient with cerebral palsy. The musculoskeletal treatment of the child prevents future problems with pain and deformity.