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Anterior section of the hip joint capsule is innervated by femoral nerve and obturator nerve, and posterior section is innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris muscle and occasionally by the superior gluteal (posterolateral region) and sciatic nerve (posterosuperior region). One of the regional anesthesia options for hip surgery is the fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) that affects nerves important for hip innervation and sensory innervation of the thigh - femoral, obturator and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. FICB can be easily performed and is often a good solution for management of hip fractures in emergency departments. Its use reduces morphine pre-operative requirement for patients with femoral neck fractures and can also be indicated for hip arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy and burn management of the region. Quadratus lumborum block (QLB ) is a block of the posterior abdominal wall performed exclusively under ultrasound guidance, with still unclarified mechanism of action. When considering hip surgery and postoperative management, the anterior QLB has shown to reduce lengthy hospital stay and opioid use, it improves perioperative analgesia in patients undergoing hip and proximal femoral surgery compared to standard intravenous analgesia regimen, provides early and rapid pain relief and allows early ambulation, thus preventing deep vein thrombosis and thromboembolic complications etc. However, some nerve branches responsible for innervation of the hip joint are not affected by QLB , which has to be taken into consideration. QLB has shown potential for use in hip surgery and perioperative pain management, but still needs to be validated as a reliable treatment approach., Prednji dio čahure zgloba kuka nerviraju n. femoralis i n. obturatorius, dok stražnji dio čahure inervira n. musculi quadratus femoris i povremeno n. glutealis superior (posterolateralni dio) i n. ischiadicus (posterosuperiorni dio). Jedna od mogućnosti za primjenu regionalne anestezije u kirurgiji zgloba kuka je blok odjeljka fascije iliace (FICB), koji zahvaća živce bitne za inervaciju kuka te senzornu inervaciju bedra – n. femoralis, n.obturatorius i n. cutaneus femoris lateralis. FICB se može izvesti relativno jednostavno i predstavlja dobru opciju za zbrinjavanje fraktura kuka u hitnim situacijama. Dokazano je kako smanjuje upotrebu morfija preoperativno u pacijenata s frakturom vrata femura, a može biti indicirani za artroplastiku kuka, artroskopije kuka te sanaciju opeklina u regiji bedra. Quadratus Lumborum blok (QLB ) spada u blokove stražnjeg abdominalnog zida te se provodi isključivo pod kontrolom ultrazvuka. Još uvijek nije razjašnjen točan mehanizam njegovog djelovanja. Dokazano je kako prednji QLB dovodi do smanjenja trajanja boravka u bolnici i smanjenja upotrebe opioida nakon operacija kuka. Također, pokazao se kao uspješnija metoda perioperativne analgezije u bolesnika u kojih se provodi zahvat na kuku ili proksimalnom femuru u usporedbi sa standardnom intravenskom analgezijom, te omogućuje ranu mobilizaciju pacijenata, što smanjuje pojavnost duboke venske tromboze i tromboembolijskih komplikacija. S druge strane, neki živčani ogranci koji sudjeluju u inervaciji zgloba kuka nisu zahvaćeni s QLB , što također treba uzeti u obzir. QLB se pokazao kao potencijalna opcija za anesteziju u kirurgiji kuka, no tek se treba dokazati njegova pouzdanost.

Excessive metal femoral head wear has been described only as revision surgery complication after primary ceramic- on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA). Here, we present the first case of metal femoral head wear after primary metal-on-polyethylene THA. A 56-year-old woman was referred to our outpatient clinic 17 years after primary right-sided THA, experiencing pain and decreased right hip range of motion. Radiographic examination revealed acetabular cup dislocation, eccentric femoral head wear, damaged titanium porous coating of femoral stem, metallosis, and pseudotumor formation. Endoprosthetic components were extracted, but further reconstruction was impossible due to presence of large acetabular bone defect. Macro- and micro-structure of extracted components were analyzed. Acetabular liner surface was damaged, with scratches, indentations, and embedded metal debris particles present on the entire inner surface. Analysis of metal debris by energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that it consisted of titanium and stainless-steel particles. Femoral head was gravely worn and elliptically shaped, with abrasive wear visible under scanning electron microscope. No signs of trunnionosis at head/neck junction were observed. Microstructure of femoral head material was homogeneous austenitic, with microhardness of 145 HV 0.2, which is lower than previously described titanium hardness. In conclusion, detached titanium porous coating of femoral stem can cause stainless-steel femoral head wear in primary metal-on-polyethylene THA. As soon as such detachment becomes evident, revision surgery should be considered to prevent devastating complications.

Aim To estimate the frequency and localization of acute (traumatic) and chronic (overuse) injuries in a population of masters rowers with respect to their age subgroups and assess the association between injury occurrence and different training modalities, rowing experience, previous competition level, and current rowing practice. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 743 masters rowers who participated in the 34th International Federation of Rowing Associations (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron, FISA) World Rowing Masters Regatta held in Zagreb, September 2-9, 2007. A rowingspecific questionnaire was used, followed by an interview about the injuries sustained during the 12-month period before the competition. Results The mean injury rate per year was 0.48 injuries/ masters rower (2.25 injuries/1000 training sessions/rower). The majority of injuries were chronic injuries (the ratio of acute to chronic injuries was 1:1.7), and did not lead to the loss of training/competition time. Of all acute injuries, 49.6% were acquired during rowing-specific training, 43.7% during cross-training, and 6.7% in the gym. The most commonly affected region was the low back (32.6%), followed by the knee (14.2%), shoulder/upper arm, and elbow (10.6% each). Conclusion International masters rowers sustained predominantly chronic injuries of low severity, and the most commonly injured region was the low back. The mean injury rate per rower per year was lower than the rates previously reported for juniors and seniors.

Excessive metal femoral head wear has been described only as revision surgery complication after primary ceramic- on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty (THA). Here, we present the first case of metal femoral head wear after primary metal-on-polyethylene THA. A 56-year-old woman was referred to our outpatient clinic 17 years after primary right-sided THA, experiencing pain and decreased right hip range of motion. Radiographic examination revealed acetabular cup dislocation, eccentric femoral head wear, damaged titanium porous coating of femoral stem, metallosis, and pseudotumor formation. Endoprosthetic components were extracted, but further reconstruction was impossible due to presence of large acetabular bone defect. Macro- and micro-structure of extracted components were analyzed. Acetabular liner surface was damaged, with scratches, indentations, and embedded metal debris particles present on the entire inner surface. Analysis of metal debris by energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that it consisted of titanium and stainless-steel particles. Femoral head was gravely worn and elliptically shaped, with abrasive wear visible under scanning electron microscope. No signs of trunnionosis at head/neck junction were observed. Microstructure of femoral head material was homogeneous austenitic, with microhardness of 145 HV 0.2, which is lower than previously described titanium hardness. In conclusion, detached titanium porous coating of femoral stem can cause stainless-steel femoral head wear in primary metal-on-polyethylene THA. As soon as such detachment becomes evident, revision surgery should be considered to prevent devastating complications.

Aim To estimate the frequency and localization of acute (traumatic) and chronic (overuse) injuries in a population of masters rowers with respect to their age subgroups and assess the association between injury occurrence and different training modalities, rowing experience, previous competition level, and current rowing practice. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 743 masters rowers who participated in the 34th International Federation of Rowing Associations (Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron, FISA) World Rowing Masters Regatta held in Zagreb, September 2-9, 2007. A rowingspecific questionnaire was used, followed by an interview about the injuries sustained during the 12-month period before the competition. Results The mean injury rate per year was 0.48 injuries/ masters rower (2.25 injuries/1000 training sessions/rower). The majority of injuries were chronic injuries (the ratio of acute to chronic injuries was 1:1.7), and did not lead to the loss of training/competition time. Of all acute injuries, 49.6% were acquired during rowing-specific training, 43.7% during cross-training, and 6.7% in the gym. The most commonly affected region was the low back (32.6%), followed by the knee (14.2%), shoulder/upper arm, and elbow (10.6% each). Conclusion International masters rowers sustained predominantly chronic injuries of low severity, and the most commonly injured region was the low back. The mean injury rate per rower per year was lower than the rates previously reported for juniors and seniors.

Aim To compare the overall and disease-specific mortality of Croatian male athletes who won one or more Olympic medals representing Yugoslavia from 1948 to 1988 or Croatia from 1992 to 2016, and the general Croatian male population standardized by age and time period. Methods All 233 Croatian male Olympic medalists were included in the study. Information on life duration and cause of death for the Olympic medalists who died before January 1, 2017, was acquired from their families and acquaintances. We asked the families and acquaintances to present medical documentation for the deceased. Data about the overall and disease-specific mortality of the Croatian male population standardized by age and time period were obtained from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Overall and disease-specific standard mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the mortality rates of athletes and general population. Results Among 233 Olympic medalists, 57 died before the study endpoint. The main causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (33.3%), neoplasms (26.3%), and external causes (17.6%). The overall mortality of the Olympic medalists was significantly lower than that of general population (SMR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.94, P = 0.013). Regarding specific causes of death, athletes’ mortality from cardiovascular diseases was significantly reduced (SMR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38- 0.93, P = 0.021). Conclusions Croatian male Olympic medalists benefit from lower overall and cardiovascular mortality rates in comparison to the general Croatian male population

Aim To compare the overall and disease-specific mortality of Croatian male athletes who won one or more Olympic medals representing Yugoslavia from 1948 to 1988 or Croatia from 1992 to 2016, and the general Croatian male population standardized by age and time period. Methods All 233 Croatian male Olympic medalists were included in the study. Information on life duration and cause of death for the Olympic medalists who died before January 1, 2017, was acquired from their families and acquaintances. We asked the families and acquaintances to present medical documentation for the deceased. Data about the overall and disease-specific mortality of the Croatian male population standardized by age and time period were obtained from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Overall and disease-specific standard mortality ratios (SMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to compare the mortality rates of athletes and general population. Results Among 233 Olympic medalists, 57 died before the study endpoint. The main causes of death were cardiovascular diseases (33.3%), neoplasms (26.3%), and external causes (17.6%). The overall mortality of the Olympic medalists was significantly lower than that of general population (SMR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.94, P = 0.013). Regarding specific causes of death, athletes’ mortality from cardiovascular diseases was significantly reduced (SMR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38- 0.93, P = 0.021). Conclusions Croatian male Olympic medalists benefit from lower overall and cardiovascular mortality rates in comparison to the general Croatian male population

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is the most common benign osteogenic bone tumor that predominantly affects young adults. OO is commonly localized in long bones, and therefore, it is rarely considered in differential diagnosis of chronic shoulder pain. We report a case of a 22-year-old male athlete, without history of previous trauma, who presented to our Department with chronic shoulder pain, which escalated during the night and responded to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment. Considering these typical symptoms, diagnostic pathway was immediately directed towards OO, with magnetic resonance and computed tomography confirming the diagnosis of OO of the coracoid process (CP). Since neurovascular structures are in the proximity of CP, and this very delicate area does not support radiofrequency ablation, we decided to perform an open procedure with drilling of the lesion and excochleation. The pain withdrew immediately after the procedure, and on six-month follow up the patient remained pain free. In the treatment of OO of the CP, we recommend open surgical procedure with tumor ablation by drilling instead of CP resection, presenting a safe, simple and low-cost method that simultaneously completely destroys the lesion and preserves the anatomical and functional role of CP., Osteoid osteom (OO) je dobroćudni osteoblastični tumor kostiju koji se najčešće javlja u adolescenata i mlađih odraslih osoba. Uobičajena lokalizacija OO su duge kosti pa se rijetko razmatra u diferencijalnoj dijagnostici kronične boli u području ramena. Prikazujemo slučaj mladog sportaša u dobi od 22 godine koji se žalio na bolove u lijevom ramenu, i to bez prethodne ozljede. Intenzitet boli značajno se pojačavao tijekom noći, a bol se smirivala nakon primjene nesteroidnih protuupalnih lijekova. Ovi tipični simptomi odmah su usmjerili dijagnozu k OO, a magnetska rezonancija i kompjutorizirana tomografija pokazale su da je riječ o OO korakoidnog nastavka skapule. Budući da se žilnoživčani snop nalazi u blizini korakoidnog nastavka radiofrekventna ablacija nije prikladna metoda za liječenje OO te lokalizacije pa smo se odlučili za kirurško liječenje. Načinili smo ablaciju tumora svrdlanjem te ekskohleacijom. Od operacijskog zahvata bolesnik se više nije žalio ni na kakvu bol u području lijevog ramena. S obzirom na današnje spoznaje savjetujemo da se OO korakoidnog nastavka svakako liječi kirurškim zahvatom tijekom kojeg valja tumor uništiti svrdlanjem. Za razliku od resekcije korakoidnog nastavka, svrdlanjem se u potpunosti uništava leziju i istodobno čuva integritet korakoidnog nastavka, što je od velikog anatomskog i funkcionalnog značenja.

This study presents a series of 13 patients who underwent peroneal tendoscopy as a solitary or accessory procedure at our department in 2013. Patients were clinically diagnosed with peroneal tendons disorders and underwent an additional radiological assessment. Peroneal tendoscopy was carried out in a standard manner before any other arthroscopic or open procedure. Postoperative management depended on the type of pathology. We found 3 peroneus brevis tendon partial tears, 4 cases of a low-lying peroneus brevis muscle belly, 5 cases of tenosynovitis, and 1 case of an intrasheath peroneal tendon subluxation. In 5 patients peroneal tendoscopy was performed as a solitary procedure and in 8 patients as an accessory procedure – together with anterior or posterior ankle arthroscopy, combined posterior and anterior ankle arthroscopy, or open surgery. Both as a solitary and accessory procedure, peroneal tendoscopy was safe and successful, ie, all patients were without any symptoms at one-year follow-up. Our series of patients showed that peroneal tendoscopy can be used both as an independent procedure as well as a valuable accessory procedure.

In this review article articular cartilage structure and organization is explained, followed by brief discussion on articular cartilage focal lesion development and subsequent endogenous regeneration, which mainly relies on presence of intrinsic healing capacity. In case of full thickness focal chondral defects intrinsic healing ability is insufficient and full spontaneous repair is almost never achieved. In those cases, cartilage repair techniques are indicated. Currently, the most commonly used articular cartilage repair techniques include three groups of techniques such as: bone marrow stimulation, osteochondral allografting/autografting and autologous chondrocyte implantation. These groups are further divided to specific cartilage repair techniques, discussed in detail and compared to other approaches. The information provided is intended to allow proper critical judgment and to answer the question “Which articular cartilage repair technique is the best for the particular patient?”.

In this review article articular cartilage structure and organization is explained, followed by brief discussion on articular cartilage focal lesion development and subsequent endogenous regeneration, which mainly relies on presence of intrinsic healing capacity. In case of full thickness focal chondral defects intrinsic healing ability is insufficient and full spontaneous repair is almost never achieved. In those cases, cartilage repair techniques are indicated. Currently, the most commonly used articular cartilage repair techniques include three groups of techniques such as: bone marrow stimulation, osteochondral allografting/autografting and autologous chondrocyte implantation. These groups are further divided to specific cartilage repair techniques, discussed in detail and compared to other approaches. The information provided is intended to allow proper critical judgment and to answer the question “Which articular cartilage repair technique is the best for the particular patient?”.

This study presents a series of 13 patients who underwent peroneal tendoscopy as a solitary or accessory procedure at our department in 2013. Patients were clinically diagnosed with peroneal tendons disorders and underwent an additional radiological assessment. Peroneal tendoscopy was carried out in a standard manner before any other arthroscopic or open procedure. Postoperative management depended on the type of pathology. We found 3 peroneus brevis tendon partial tears, 4 cases of a low-lying peroneus brevis muscle belly, 5 cases of tenosynovitis, and 1 case of an intrasheath peroneal tendon subluxation. In 5 patients peroneal tendoscopy was performed as a solitary procedure and in 8 patients as an accessory procedure – together with anterior or posterior ankle arthroscopy, combined posterior and anterior ankle arthroscopy, or open surgery. Both as a solitary and accessory procedure, peroneal tendoscopy was safe and successful, ie, all patients were without any symptoms at one-year follow-up. Our series of patients showed that peroneal tendoscopy can be used both as an independent procedure as well as a valuable accessory procedure.

Aim To explore the possibility of brain imaging by microcomputed tomography (microCT) using x-ray contrasting methods to visualize mouse brain ischemic lesions after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods Isolated brains were immersed in ionic or nonionic radio contrast agent (RCA) for 5 days and subsequently scanned using microCT scanner. To verify whether ex-vivo microCT brain images can be used to characterize ischemic lesions, they were compared to Nissl stained serial histological sections of the same brains. To verify if brains immersed in RCA may be used afterwards for other methods, subsequent immunofluorescent labeling with anti-NeuN was performed. Results Nonionic RCA showed better gray to white matter contrast in the brain, and therefore was selected for further studies. MicroCT measurement of ischemic lesion size and cerebral edema significantly correlated with the values determined by Nissl staining (ischemic lesion size: P=0.0005; cerebral edema: P=0.0002). Brain immersion in nonionic RCA did not affect subsequent immunofluorescent analysis and NeuN immunoreactivity. Conclusion MicroCT method was proven to be suitable for delineation of the ischemic lesion from the non-infarcted tissue, and quantification of lesion volume and cerebral edema.

Aim To explore the possibility of brain imaging by microcomputed tomography (microCT) using x-ray contrasting methods to visualize mouse brain ischemic lesions after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods Isolated brains were immersed in ionic or nonionic radio contrast agent (RCA) for 5 days and subsequently scanned using microCT scanner. To verify whether ex-vivo microCT brain images can be used to characterize ischemic lesions, they were compared to Nissl stained serial histological sections of the same brains. To verify if brains immersed in RCA may be used afterwards for other methods, subsequent immunofluorescent labeling with anti-NeuN was performed. Results Nonionic RCA showed better gray to white matter contrast in the brain, and therefore was selected for further studies. MicroCT measurement of ischemic lesion size and cerebral edema significantly correlated with the values determined by Nissl staining (ischemic lesion size: P=0.0005; cerebral edema: P=0.0002). Brain immersion in nonionic RCA did not affect subsequent immunofluorescent analysis and NeuN immunoreactivity. Conclusion MicroCT method was proven to be suitable for delineation of the ischemic lesion from the non-infarcted tissue, and quantification of lesion volume and cerebral edema.