Search

Unlabelled: Osteolysis secondary to polyethylene wear is one of the major factors limiting long-term performance of TKA. Oxidized zirconium is a new material that combines the strength of a metal with the wear properties of a ceramic. It remains unknown whether implants with a zirconium femoral component can be used safely in TKA. To answer that question, we reviewed, at a minimum of 5 years, the clinical outcome and survivorship of a ceramic-surfaced oxidized zirconium femoral component implanted during 98 primary TKAs between April 2001 and December 2003. Survivorship was 98.7% at 7 years postoperatively. No revision was necessary and only one component failed because of aseptic loosening. Mean Knee Society score improved from 36 to 89. No adverse events were observed clinically or radiologically. These results justify pursuing the use of oxidized zirconium as an alternative bearing surface for a femoral component in TKA.Level Of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the paper "In Vitro Study of the Biological Response of Mononuclear Cells in the Presence of Metallic Ions," by A. M. Carossino et al. is presented.

An abstract of the paper "Evaluation of Immunological Reactivity to Metal Components in Patients With Prosthesis Device," by A. M. Carossino et al. is presented.

An abstract of the paper "Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Isolation and Concentration From Bone Marrow Using the Regenkit Device," by S. Ciuffi et al. is presented.

Background: Tibiofemoral components rotational congruency affects the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) success. The smart insert sensor (I-S) helps to establish tibial component rotation reciprocally to a fixed femoral rotation. We aimed (1) to validate the use of I-S as a possible tool to reach reproducible reciprocal femorotibial rotation (RftR) in TKA independently from anatomic landmarks, reducing outliers in combined and mismatched femorotibial rotation (CftR and MMftR, respectively) positioning and (2) to validate the "curve-on-curve" method for a specific type of asymmetrical tibial component., Methods: From February 2018, we conducted a prospective case-control study including 106 patients undergoing TKA. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the method used to establish tibial component rotation: with the I-S use (group A, n = 53) and with the standard "curve-on-curve" technique (group B, n = 53). Rotational alignment was calculated using the Berger protocol with postoperative computed tomography scanning. Alignment parameters measured were tibial and femoral component rotations (tR, fR), the CftR, the MMftR, and the RftR., Results: Intraoperative rotation measured by I-S correlated the best with RftR (r = 0.84; P < .001) at the post-operative CT scanning. No significant differences were found between groups A and B regarding all types of rotation (fR: P  = .774; tR: P  = .467; CftR: P  = .847) except for MMftR ( P  = .036) and RftR ( P  = .023). There were no outliers in group A but 27 and 12 outliers in group B for MMftR and CftR respectively ( P < .001; P  = .032)., Conclusions: The TKA components' rotation established using a smart I-S intraoperatively is ascribable to the RftR at postoperative computed tomography scan. The I-S helps reduce outliers in the CftR and MMftR. An asymmetrical tibial base plate implanted using the curve-on-curve technique does not create a neutral reciprocal femorotibial rotation significantly increasing the number of cases with mismatched femorotibial internal rotation., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Introduction: Patients with Haemophilia (PWH) need orthopaedic treatments and often they undergo surgery. Classically, PWH with inhibitors have to face such procedures earlier than other patients. Major orthopaedic surgery is not easy and complications are frequent. Emicizumab is the first monoclonal antibody introduced for haematological prophylaxis for PWH with inhibitors, achieving an efficacious haemostasis also in patients with severe haemophilia A with inhibitors, later demonstrated for PWH without inhibitors. A few years ago, emicizumab was also proposed for PWH undergoing surgery, as it supports excellent bleeding control. The literature on orthopaedic surgery using an emicizumab protocol is scarce: only isolated case reports with short-term follow-ups are available. Aim: The purpose of this study is the assessment of the mid-term outcomes of major orthopaedic surgery performed in a population of patients with and without inhibitors and an emicizumab regimen. Methods: We reviewed the records of 13 PWH (eight with high-titre inhibitors, five without) with a mean age of 54.6 years, undergoing 15 orthopaedic surgical procedures between 2017 and 2022: primary knee and hip arthroplasty, revision, pseudotumor excision, or amputation. Their prophylaxis consisted of the combination of emicizumab and boluses of rFVIIa (PWH with inhibitors) or rFVIII (PWH without inhibitors). The clinical parameters of evaluation were: VAS, Haemophilic Joint Health Score (HJHS), and standard radiologic studies. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 3, 6 months, and then yearly. The survival rate of all implants was also assessed. Results: The mean follow-up was 38.8 months (range: 12-65). All patients were successfully treated without complications during surgery. During the postoperative period, a patient affected by a septic complication two months after his pseudotumor excision underwent an above-the-knee amputation. All patients were regularly discharged to the rehabilitative ward, reporting satisfaction for pain reduction and improved joint and global function at the VAS and HJHS scores. No revisions or implant failures were recorded. Conclusions: A prophylaxis regimen with emicizumab and factor replacement in PWH with or without inhibitors undergoing major orthopaedic surgery ensures effective bleeding control and good postoperative clinical outcomes at mid-term follow-up, and may be routinely adopted in dedicated high-volume hospitals. This series is the most consistent to date reported at a single Haemophilia centre.

Background and Objective: Proximal femoral replacement due to revision hip arthroplasty or catastrophic proximal femur fracture fixation failures with considerable proximal femur bone loss can lead to a substantial loss of function of the soft tissue around the hip and the abductor muscles in particular. Surgical techniques of gluteus medius repair and/or abductor mechanism reattachment/reconstruction are widely debated in the literature, but it is quite rarely dealt with in the context of megaprosthesis and femoral reconstruction, particularly in non-oncologic patients. The aim of this study is to present a narrative review of the literature on techniques for abductor reattachment in proximal femoral replacement for non-oncological reconstructions., Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched by two researchers independently from inception until February 1st, 2023 (923 for MEDLINE and 963 for Embase; Cochrane is a composite of multiple databases and thus does not report a standard inception date). Articles examining proximal femoral reconstruction with megaprosthesis or allograft prosthesis were included. Studies concerning cadaver and oncologic patients were excluded. If the researchers failed to find an agreement on whether to include a study, the senior researcher would make a final decision in such cases. Data were extracted and stored, and qualitative synthesis was performed., Key Content and Findings: A total of 1,157 articles from MEDLINE, 11,187 articles from Embase, and 0 articles from Cochrane were identified. Of 12,344 articles, the structured screening process revealed 10 eligible trials. Four different types of abductor musculature reconstruction/reinsertion were identified., Conclusions: Multiple and complex revision hip arthroplasties as well as multiple surgical procedures for proximal femur fracture fixations failures may have a great impact on proximal femur bone stock condition and soft tissue preservation requiring the use of a proximal femur megaprosthesis. In such cases, the abductor mechanism reconstruction and/or reattachment is achievable with different techniques that can be resumed in four different groups: direct suture to the prosthesis, trochanteric sleeve osteotomy, muscle-to-muscle suture, and synthetic tube augmentation suture., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://aoj.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/aoj-23-26/coif). The series “Modular Implants for Revision Arthroplasty in Orthopedics” was commissioned by the editorial office without any funding or sponsorship. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to declare., (2024 Annals of Joint. All rights reserved.)

(1) Background: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) in patient with haemophilia (PWH) has usually been performed with the use of cobalt-chrome femoral and titanium tibial components, coupled with standard polyethylene (PE) inserts. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes and survival rates of TKA in a series of consecutive PWH affected by severe knee arthropathy at a single institution. (2) Methods: We followed 65 patients undergoing 91 TKA, implanted using the same implant, characterized by an oxidized zirconium femoral component, coupled with a titanium tibial component, and a highly crosslinked PE. At 1, 6, and 12 months; then every year for 5 years; and finally, every other 3 years, all patients were scored for pain (VAS), function (HJHS; KSS), ROM, and radiographic changes. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were used to calculate the implant survival rates. (3) Results: The mean follow-up was 12.3 years (4.2-20.6). All clinical and functional scores improved significantly from preoperatively to the latest follow-up (VAS: from 6.9 to 1.3; HJHS: from 13.4 to 1.9; KSS: from 19.4 to 79; ROM: from 42.4° to 83.6°). The overall survivorship of the implants was 97.5% at the latest follow-up. (4) Conclusions: The present series showed a high survival rate of specific implants potentially linked to the choice of an oxidized zirconium coupled with a highly crosslinked PE. We promote the use of modern implants in these patients in order to ensure long-lasting positive outcomes.

Emicizumab is a humanized recombinant bispecific antibody, bridging together activated factor IX (FIXa) and factor X (FX), thus mimicking the activity of FVIII in vivo. Emicizumab is designed for long-term prophylaxis in patients with severe hemophilia A with and without inhibitors. This approach provides constant protection, with significant reduction in bleeding rate and improved quality of life. However, protection provided by emicizumab is not absolute, and clotting factor concentrates (FVIII, rFVIIa, aPCC) may be necessary for post-traumatic bleeding or surgery, with a potential thrombotic risk or difficulty in preventing bleeding. Real world evidence is still scanty, especially for managing major surgery. In this study, 75 surgeries were managed in 28 patients (27 major procedures in 15 patients and 48 minor procedures in 20 patients. In 17 patients without inhibitors, 30 minor surgeries were carried out by using FVIII in 5, with only a bleeding event, which was successfully treated with FVIII concentrate. Six major surgeries were uneventfully performed with FVIII concentrate. Eleven PWHA and high-titer inhibitors underwent 39 surgical procedures (18 minor and 21 major surgeries). Minor surgeries were mostly performed without prophylaxis with rFVIIa, with only a single bleeding complication. All 21 major surgeries were covered with a homogeneous protocol using rFVIIa. In four instances, bleeding complications occurred, treated with rFVIIa. Of them, a single patient only failed to respond and died because of an uncontrollable bleeding from a large ruptured retroperitoneal pseudotumor. Surgery in patients with emicizumab can be safely carried out with the use of appropriate replacement therapy protocols.

Introduction: Lesser trochanter (LT) fixation to restore the continuity of the posteromedial fragment using a cerclage wire has been reported to provide a more stable reduction in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures with LT involvement. However, LT fixation is not commonly performed due to the complications associated with the traditional monofilament cerclage metal wires. In this study, we investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a new technique for LT fixation in conjunction with Intramedullary (IM) fixation with nail and screws when compared to isolated IM fixation. The Sling Fixation Technique involves a new wiring technique and the use of a polymer-based cerclage cable characterized by iso-elastic properties that is hypothesized to provide better clinical and radiographic outcomes., Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study included 30 patients who underwent proximal IM nailing from July 2019 to April 2020. Thirty consecutive patients (30) were assigned to 2 different treatment groups. Fifteen (15) patients were treated with the IM Nailing and Sling Fixation Technique and 15 with IM nailing only. Patients were comparable for demographic features, fracture pattern, age, gender and associated medical comorbidities. Clinical outcomes were analyzed in terms of time needed to achieve complete weight bearing, Harris hip score (HHS), Barthel Index (BI) and Radiographic Union Scale for Hip (RUSH). The follow-up period was one year., Results: Time for fracture healing and to achieve weight-bearing in the "Sling" group were shown to be significantly shorter than in the IM group. The Sling group showed furthermore better HHS, BI and RUSH scores when compared to the IM group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from the surgery. No complications such as wiring breakage, cut-outs, breakage or pullout of the fixation screws were observed; one case of heterotrophic ossification was reported., Conclusion: In cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with lesser trochanter involvement, the Sling fixation technique using an isoelastic polymer-based wire showed superior results in terms of stability and consequently better clinical and radiographic outcomes than IM nailing only., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial disclosures., (© 2022 Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ovarian masses in pediatric populations are the most common abdominal masses in young girls. In neonates, the majority of masses are benign while in children and teen-agers the risk of malignancy exists. The aim of this study is to perform a 25-year experience retrospective analysis of clinical and therapeutic aspects of ovarian tumors in girls, in order to show how the development of minimally invasive technology has changed the management of this pathology., Methods: The records of patients under the age of 18 who were operated in three pediatric surgical units due to ovarian mass, in the last 25 years, were reviewed retrospectively. The study group comprised 147 patients operated between 1996 and 2021 with a diagnosis of ovarian masses. Data involved were demographical, surgical, follow-up and final diagnosis. We analyzed the type of surgical technique, intra-operative data (operative time, the use of different technologies), complications, length of stay and long-term follow-up. Based on these data, we assessed how the surgical approach to ovarian masses has changed in the last 25 years in newborns and young girls., Results: The patients ages ranged between 7 days and 15 years (median, 59 days). All the procedures were completed in laparoscopy or robotics without conversion in open surgery. One-hundred and eleven patients were neonates; they all had follicular cysts and they were all managed in laparoscopy using 1 or 3 trocars. In 80/111 patients (72%), a small part of ovarian parenchyma was saved; in 31/111 patients (28%), in which the ovarian parenchyma was not available, an ovariectomy was performed. Patients in which we saved a small part of ovary, at long term follow-up (minimum follow-up of 12 years) (29/80, 36%), developed a normal ovary at US control. Thirty-six were older patients. They had a histological diagnosis of benign (30) or malign (6) tumors. All the patients (8/36) with a pre-operative suspicion of ovarian malignancy received an ovariectomy and an adnexectomy using sealing devices. In the last 10 years in all the children, except neonates, we adopted sealing devices and, in the last 4 years, in 20 cases, we always adopted ICG fluorescence technology to check ovarian vascularization in case of torsion or to check lympho-nodes condition in case of malignancy., Conclusions: In neonatal ovarian cysts, surgical management remained unchanged and an ovarian sparing procedure is always indicated and the long-term follow-ups confirm this hypothesis. The principal innovation in this age period is the use of ICG fluorescence technology to check ovarian vascularization in case of torsion. In teenagers, the decision-making strategy is based on the tumoral markers and on the morphological aspects of the mass. Robotics cystectomy or ovariectomy now-days represents the safer and faster way to perform this. Sealing devices are essential tools for dissection and resection to avoid bleeding. ICG fluorescence technology in all ages is fundamental to check ovary vascularization after detorsion or to check lympho-node status in case of malignancy. All the suspected lesions have to be removed with an endo-bag.

Background: Knee varus alignment represents a notorious cause of knee osteoarthritis. It can be caused by tibial deformity, combined tibial-femoral deformity and/or ligament imbalance. Understanding malalignment is crucial in total knee arthroplasty to restore frontal plane neutral mechanical axis. The aim of this study was to determine which factor contributes the most to varus osteoarthritic knee and its related surgical implications in performing a total knee arthroplasty., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 140 patients operated for total knee arthroplasty due to a varus knee. Full-leg hip to ankle preoperative X-rays were taken. Radiological parameters recorded were: mechanical axis deviation, hip-knee-ankle, anatomical-mechanical angle, medial neck shaft angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), lateral proximal femoral angle, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), femoral bowing, and length of tibia and femur. We also determined ideals tibial and femoral cuts in mm according to mechanical alignment technique. A R2 was calculated based on the linear regression between the predicted values and the observed data., Results: The greatest contributor to arthritic varus (R = 0.444) was MPTA. Minor contributors were mLDFA (R = 0.076), JLCA (R = 0.1554), LDTA (R = 0.065), and femoral bowing (R = 0.049). We recorded an average of 7.6 mm in lateral tibial cut thickness to restore neutral alignment., Conclusions: The radiological major contributor to osteoarthritic varus knee alignment is related to proximal tibia deformity. As a surgical consequence, during performing total knee arthroplasty, the majority of the correction should therefore be made on tibial cut., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Introduction: Periprosthetic femoral fracture around hip arthroplasty are growing in the world, nevertheless management and treatment options for fractures "around the stem" are still debated due to lack of high-level studies., Materials and Method: A 85-item survey were fill out by 40 Italian Orthopedic Surgeon member of SIOT (Società Italiana di Ortopedia e Traumatologia) and AIR (Associazione Italiana Riprotesizzazione) to assess their current opinion in the management of type B periprosthetic femoral fractures. Responses were summarized using proportions, and further stratified by practice type, case volume, surgeon age, and fellowship training., Results: Vancouver/UCS fracture classification showed a good interobserver agreement (k value = .76). ORIF were the treatment of choice for UCS type B1 fractures (100%), revision stem for B2 (85%) and B3 (100%). Locked plates were preferred to cable plate and cerclage without a plate for B1 fractures (50% vs 40% vs 10%); revision with modular stem was preferred to monoblock stem for B2 fractures (50% vs 35%) and B3 (75% vs 15%). Responders tended to postpone at 1-month weight-bearing in patients with B1 fractures. Regarding postoperative pharmacological treatment there was absolute lack of consensus., Discussion: The primary finding of our survey confirmed the preference of ORIF for B1 fractures and stem revision for B2 and B3 fractures. However, there is no definitive operative technique for all UCS B fractures. Surgeons tended to favor locked plating over cable plating, although only slightly. This general lack of consensus coincides with the inconclusive evidence that currently exists in the literature, which demonstrates both favorable and unfavorable outcomes for both techniques., Conclusions: The absence of complete homogeneity among participants showed the need for prospective randomized studies to set up stronger guidelines for classification, management, surgical treatment, rehabilitation, and pharmacological support of periprosthetic femoral fractures., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

Aim Uncommon and rare hip diseases are sources of pain and functional limitation particularly in young patients. Some of these conditions may be nowadays treated by arthroscopy due to the expertise and technical tips that high-volume hip arthroscopies have achieved during the last decades ensuring a wider range of indications for such a procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical results of arthroscopy in treating uncommon or rare diseases of the hip at a single Institution. Methods Thirteen patients affected by several types of diseases were treated by a hip arthroscopy and retrospectively evaluated. All patients were operated by the same surgeon, instrumentation and technique, but postoperative rehabilitative protocol was tailored on each patient and his disease. Each patient underwent a specific imaging, consisting of dedicated x-rays and arthro-MRI. Modified Harris Hip score (mHHS) and Non-Arthritic Hip score (NAHS) were used before and after surgery to clinically assess the outcome. Results All patients reported satisfaction, pain relief, and a good functional recovery at the latest follow-up visit. Only one patient affected by chondromatosis reported a recurrence of synovitis and needed a further arthroscopy 25 months after the index operation. No complications were reported at the latest follow-up. The NAHS and mHHS showed good improvements and all patients referred high satisfaction. Conclusion Hip arthroscopy performed by expert and high-volume surgeons may ensure good results in patients affected by uncommon and rare hip diseases., (Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.)

Aim The gradual increase in shoulder implants in active elderly patients has appeared in a parallel increase in periprosthetic humeral fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the advantages of using strut grafting with plate fixation during periprosthetic humerus fractures. Methods Thirty patients diagnosed with periprosthetic humeral fracture were divided into two groups. The first group of 15 patients (PS) underwent plate, ring, screws and strut allografts. The second group with resting 15 patients (PWS) was treated with only plate and screws. The criteria to evaluate the groups during followup were the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS); the bone healing was measured by X-rays, controls measured by radiographic union score (RUS), and complications. The follow up was terminated at 12nd month in both groups. Results The difference between the two groups in all parameters was not significant. However, all patients gained adequate shoulder motor skills for normal daily living activities. All fractures were healed. Only two complications were registered, and blood loss was minimal. Conclusion We believe a revision to reverse shoulder prosthesis with a long-stem implant with or without cortical strut allograft augmentation to be safe and appropriate in the management of these complex injuries, though technically challenging, and having good results for normal activities daily life., (Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.)

Background: Partial lesions of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are more common than is generally thought, accounting for about 10-12% of ACL injuries. Selective reconstruction may be considered as an option in isolated bundle rupture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both subjective and objective clinical results, as well as functional recovery time, after selective arthroscopic single-bundle reconstruction in a consecutive series of patients affected by partial ACL rupture., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six patients undergoing selective reconstruction of a single ACL bundle were retrospectively evaluated from a series of 354 ACL reconstructions performed over a 3-year period. Although the suspicion of partial lesions was present at clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation, final diagnosis was obtained during arthroscopy. All patients were operated using the same technique and type of fixation, and undergoing the same functional recovery protocol., Results: Mean follow-up was 64 months (48-84 months). All patients but one achieved good functional recovery and returned to their sports within a mean period of 6.1 months. A single patient complained of postoperative instability 1 year after the index operation and needed further surgery. No complications were recorded., Conclusions: Selective reconstruction of partial ACL injury is a method to bear in mind because it offers quick functional recovery. Specific technical and diagnostic steps should be performed and discussed with patients preoperatively., Level of Evidence: Level 4, retrospective study.

Aim Periprosthetic fracture after knee arthroplasty occurs more frequently in the supracondylar area of femur, especially after low energy trauma associated with torsional or compressive forces. Several techniques have been described for the treatment of displaced fractures. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the outcomes and bone healing of periprosthetic femoral fractures managed by standard plate fixation compared to plating with bone grafting. Methods Thirty-six periprosthetic fractures around the knee were selected. Eighteen patients underwent standard plate and screws fixation while other eighteen were treated by plating associate with a cortical strut. Knee Society Score (KSS) and Short Form 12 (SF12) with the UNION SCORE (RUS) were used for the evaluation of results. Results After a minimum follow-up of 12 months, the results showed a statistically significant difference in SF-12, KSS, and RUS in favour of plating associated to bone graft with respect to the plating alone; four cases of non-union were recorded in the group of patients treated by standard plating. Conclusions Our experience once again demonstrated that plating and bone grafting may ensure a mechanical and biological support for the healing of periprosthetic fracture of the knee more than simple plating., (Copyright© by the Medical Assotiation of Zenica-Doboj Canton.)

Hemophilic arthropathy (HA) typically begins with proliferative synovitis that shares some similarities with inflammatory arthritides, in which the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α has a crucial pathogenetic role. Inappropriate release of TNF-α was shown to contribute to arthropathy development following intra-articular bleeding in hemophilic mice. Here, we were interested in determining whether systemic levels of TNF-α and synovial tissue expression of the TNF-α/TNF receptor (TNF-R) system could be increased and related to joint damage in hemophilia A patients with severe HA. Serum levels of TNF-α measured by quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were significantly increased in HA patients ( n = 67) compared to healthy controls (n = 20). In HA patients, elevated TNF-α levels were significantly associated with the number of hemarthroses, the grade of synovial hypertrophy, and both the clinical World Federation of Hemophilia score and ultrasound score. The expression of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 was strongly increased in HA synovium (n = 10) compared to the non-inflamed osteoarthritis control synovium (n = 8), as assessed by both immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Increased protein levels of TNF-α, TNF-R1, and TNF-R2 were retained in vitro by HA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (n = 6) with respect to osteoarthritis control fibroblast-like synoviocytes (n = 6). Stimulation with TNF-α resulted in a significant increase in HA fibroblast-like synoviocyte proliferation quantified by the water-soluble tetrazolium (WST)-1 assay, while it had no relevant effect on osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. Quantification of active/cleaved caspase-3 by ELISA demonstrated that TNF-α did not induce apoptosis either in HA or in osteoarthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes. The TNF-α/TNF-R system may represent a crucial mediator of proliferative synovitis and, therefore, a new attractive target for the prevention and treatment of joint damage in HA patients. Our findings provide the groundwork for further clinical investigation of anti-TNF-α therapeutic feasibility in hemophiliacs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Bone turnover is a complex set of different molecules pathways and it is strictly connected with bone vasculature. It includes every bone process concerning bone modelling and remodelling such us skeletal growth and healing process. A fundamental component of this bone architecture is played by the endothelium, that acts in a paracrine fashion on other bone stromal cells via humoral factors, growth factors and chemokines/cytokines. The alteration of those biochemical interactions between endothelium, vasculature and bone tissue may cause various pathological manifestations. Understanding the bases of the interaction between those different pathways could provide novel therapeutic strate¬gies for bone disease. The Authors present an updated overview of the most common communication biomolecules between bone cells and endothelium and their interactions both in healthy and pathological conditions. Furthermore, focusing on gene and related therapies, possible future therapeutic strategies for bone vasculature/metabolic diseases are presented.

The purpose of this study was to analyze national surveys of orthopaedic surgeons on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction to determine their preferences related to the preferred graft, femoral tunnel positioning, fixation and tensioning methods, antibiotic and anti-thromboembolic prophylaxis, and use of tourniquet and drains. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was performed. Inclusion criteria were surveys of ACL reconstruction trends and preferences published in the past 5 years (2011-2016), involving members of national societies of orthopaedics. Information regarding survey modalities, population surveyed, graft choice both in the general or in the athletic population, surgical technique, fixation, use of antibiotic, tourniquet, drains, and anti-thromboembolic prophylaxis was extracted. Eight national surveys were included from Europe (three), North or Latin America (three), and Asia (two). Overall, 7,420 questionnaires were sent, and 1,495 participants completed the survey (response rate ranging from 16 to 76.6%). All surveys reported the hamstring tendon (HT) autograft as the preferred graft, ranging from 45 to 89% of the surveyed population, followed by bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) graft (2-41%) and allograft (2-17%). Only two surveys focusing on graft choice in athletic population underlined how in high-demand sportive population the graft choices changes in favor of BPTB. Single-bundle reconstruction was the preferred surgical technique in the four surveys that investigated this issue. Five surveys were in favor of anteromedial (AM) portal and two in favor of trans-tibial technique. Suspension devices for femoral fixation were the preferred choice in all but one survey, while interference screws were the preferred method for tibial fixation. The two surveys that investigated graft tensioning were in favor of manual tensioning. The use of tourniquet, antibiotics, drains, and anti-thromboembolic prophylaxis were vaguely reported. A trend toward the preference of HT autograft was registered in all the surveys; however, sport participation has been highlighted as an important variable for increased use of BPTB. Single-bundle reconstruction with AM portal technique and suspension femoral fixation and screws fixation for the tibia seem the preferred solution. Other variables such as tensioning, antibiotic, anti-thromboembolic prophylaxis, tourniquet use, and drains were investigated scarcely among the surveys; therefore, no clear trends could be delineated. This is a Level V, systematic review of expert opinion study.

Purpose  The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) in the detection of intra-articular lesions of the hip in patients affected by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) by using arthroscopy as reference standard. Methods  Twenty-nine consecutive hip arthroscopies performed in 24 patients were considered for the study. Patients had a mean age of 38.3 years. Ultrasound-guided 1.5-T MRA was performed with precontrast short tau inversion recovery, T1-weighted and PD coronal, T1-weighted, and T2-weighted axial with 3-mm-thick slice sequences, and postcontrast T1-weighted fat saturation MRA (Fat-SAT) axial, coronal and oblique sagittal, and T1-weighted Vibe 3D coronal sequences with MPR sagittal, axial, and radial reconstructions with 2-mm-thick slice and coronal density protonil (DP) Fat-SAT. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of MRA were evaluated by comparison arthroscopy for the following intra-articular findings: acetabular and femoral chondral lesions, labral degeneration, labral tears, synovitis, ligamentum teres (LT) tears, CAM lesions, pincer lesions, loose bodies, and osteophytes. Results  An absolute per cent agreement (100%) was observed for all the variables in the assessment of CAM lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of MRA were 100, 68.4, 72.7, and 100%, respectively, for acetabular chondral lesions; 100, 50, 47.3, and 100%, respectively, for femoral chondral lesions; 33, 85, 20, and 91.6%, respectively, for labral tears; 95, 71, 91.3, and 83.3%, respectively, for labral degeneration; 100, 88, 57.1, and 100%, respectively, for LT tears; 33.3, 85, 50, and 73.9%, respectively, for pincer lesions; 50, 96, 66.6, and 92.3%, respectively, for intra-articular loose bodies; and 100, 73.9, 50, and 100%, respectively, for osteophytes. Conclusion  MRA may play an important role in detecting intra-articular lesions associated with FAI. This might be helpful for the preoperative planning before hip arthroscopy. Level of Evidence  This is a Level 2, diagnostic accuracy study compared with gold standard.

Purpose  The purpose of this study was to determinate the overall postoperative complication and reoperation rates related to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. Methods  All patients who had undergone an ankle fracture operation at our institution from January 2005 through December 2013 were identified by querying the hospital surgical procedure database for diagnoses codes. Medical records, surgical procedure, and outpatient control reports were reviewed to collect pre-, intra-, and postoperative details. All data obtained were retrospectively analyzed by the authors to evaluate the postoperative complications and the type of further surgical treatment required to treat them. Results  A total of 378 consecutive patients were included in the study. Overall complications rate was 36.0%. Minor complications (4.5%) were represented by superficial infection (1.3%) and impaired wound healing (3.2%). All these patients required advanced wound care and prolonged oral antibiotics. Major complications (31.5%) included: residual pain (17.2%), deep infection (3.4%), malunion (2.4%), posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (5.0%), implant breakage (0.3%), complex regional pain syndrome (1.3%), and arthrofibrosis (1.9%). Note that 21.7% of major complications required further surgical procedure. Reoperations included arthroscopic debridement (15.1%), hardware removal and debridement of all necrotic tissue (4.5%), and ankle fusion (2.1%). Surgery was necessary mainly for pain removal and function recovery. Conclusion  Ankle fracture ORIF represents a satisfying surgical treatment. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are not uncommon. Minor complications can be easily managed with medications and repeated outpatient controls. Reoperation is occasionally required to treat major complications. Revision surgery is mandatory to ensure pain relief and function improvement. Level of Evidence  Level II, retrospective cohort study.

Haemophilia is an inherited haemorrhagic disease characterized by the lack of coagulative factors associated nowadays mostly to musculoskeletal complications, particularly severe secondary arthritis in specific joints. Recurrent traumatic or spontaneous joint bleeding, induce severe arthropathy at a young age that can be treated only by joint replacement. Total knee or hip arthroplasty in young subjects may fail earlier due to wear or infections and in the haemophilic population, this means bone loss, pseudo tumours and the need of revision or even limb salvage surgery. Modern modular implants and the use of bone graft enriched by tissue engineering techniques such as a concentration of autologous mesenchymal cells or PRP may be helpful to compensate all bone loss and anatomic alterations due to failures of orthopaedic implants. The authors present their experience with this type of surgery and their biological approach to these challenging cases.

In the last years considerable research and development activity have been expended to find new ceramic bone substitutes for the treatment of bone defects. However in many cases the drawback of synthethic bone substitutes are the slow graft incorporation and remodelling into the host bone. The purpose of this study was to analyze the kinetics of resorption and new bone formation of new calcium sulfate (CaSO 4 )/calcium phosphate (CaPO 4 ) bioceramic engineered to enhance its bone forming properties. We prospectively evaluated the results of a series of 15 hips with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) treated at with core decompression and injection of the CaSO 4 /CaPO 4 composite. In all hips, a quantitative computed tomography (QTC) scan was taken within one week after the surgery, at 12 months, 2 years and finally with a minimum of 4 years follow-up. The mean HU in the immediate post-operative period was 1445 (Range 1388-1602); At one year the mean HU strongly decrease at 556.6 HU (P < 0.01); The mean HU at 2 years follow-up further decreased to 475.1. The mean HU at 4 years was unchanged. The quantitative and qualitative CT scan data of this series indicates that the CaSO 4 -CaPO 4 ceramic composite resorbs over a narrow timeframe and the gradual resorption of the graft within the defect provides an ideal environment for the direct new bone growth that propagates across the defect.

Purpose  This study aims to analyze the risk factors and type of injuries occurring in Taekwondo athletes participating in a national competition. Methods  Out of the 127 competitors, 18 athletes got injured during a Taekwondo championship who were analyzed for the following parameters: modality of training; age, weight; belt color; and the type of injury. Results  Around 89% of the injuries were due to bruising and were found mainly on the lower limbs (61%) during the elimination rounds and during the first match of the day. The higher probability of injury was in the second round (56%), and during the first match of the day (72%). Nearly all the athletes were able to complete the game in which they were injured (83%). Comparing the average age of the athletes suffering an injury (23.6 ± 2.06 years) with their average years of training (8.4 ± 7.05 years) it can be noted that these athletes began this discipline rather late. The more is the training age and the weekly hours of training, the more are the numbers of matches completed, even as injured. Beginners with a low-level belt suffered more injuries than the experienced subjects did. Conclusion  The following risk factors for injury were found: starting to practice in late age, weekly training sessions with a few number of hours, male sex, low-level belt, elimination rounds, the first match of the day, and second round. Level of Evidence  Level III, observational analytic study without a control group.

Background and Aim of the Work: Hypersensitivity to metals in the general population has an incidence of about 15%, and in rising also for the higher number of joint replacements in the last decades. Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) represents the most performed orthopaedic procedure during last years, and it seems to be particularly associated with sensitization after surgery. On the other hand, there is a rising amount of patients with painful but well implanted and functioning TKAs: in certain cases, after the exclusion of the most frequent causes of failure, a condition of hypersensitivity may be found, and a revision with anallergic implants is mandatory. The present study is a review of the potential problems related to hypersensitivity in TKA, its possible diagnostic procedures, and the surgical options to date available., Methods: Medical history, patch testing, and other specific laboratory assays are useful to assess a status of metals hypersensitivity before surgery in subjects undergoing a knee replacement, or even after TKA in patients complaining pain in otherwise well implanted and aligned prostheses. However, few groups worlwide deal with such condition, and all proposed diagnostic protocols may be considered still today conjectural. On the other hand, these represent the most updated knowledge of this condition, and may be useful for both the patient and the orthopaedic surgeon. Once assessed a possible or ascertained allergy to metals, several options are available for primary andr revision knee surgery, in order to avoid the risk of hypersensitivity., Results: A review of the recent publications on this topic and an overview of the related aspects has been made to understand a condition to date considered negligible., Conclusions: Hypersensitivity to metals has not to be nowadays considered a "fiction", but rather a possible preoperative risk or a postoperative cause of failure of TKA. Crucial is the information of patients and the medical history, associated in suspect cases to laboratory testings. Today in the market several knee implants are available and safe for allergic patients undergoing TKA.

Purpose  After total knee arthroplasty (TKA), pain and swelling, especially in older and less cooperative patients, can limit the retrieval of a good range of motion and muscle tone and consequently the achievement of an optimal function outcome. A high-tech knee pad made of metal fibers emitting infrared energy was used in a group of patients undergoing TKA to assess its efficacy in the postoperative period with respect to a group with a placebo. Methods  Twelve patients used knee pads after surgery for 3 weeks and were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS), Knee Society Rating Score, Cincinnati Knee Rating Score, and painkillers at specific timings. Results  At 3 weeks, all scores improved in a significant manner in the treated group compared with the placebo group. At 2 months after surgery, VAS was better in the study group than the control group, whereas other parameters were similar. However, the use of rescue drugs was less in the study group than in the placebo group. Conclusion  A high-tech knee pad may contribute to a faster recovery within the first week after a knee replacement, limiting the use of painkillers and allowing a quick functional recovery by the control of pain and postoperative effusion. Level of Evidence  Level II, randomized prospective study with small sample size.

Haemophilia may nowadays be considered an "ortho paedic" disease given due to the involvement of musculoskeletal system in almost all haemophilic subjects. The modern haematological prophylaxis has dramatically improved the quality of life reducing bleedings and life-threatening complications; however, joint bleedings, progressive and irreversible arthropathy and osteoporosis are still now common challenging issues to be faced. One of the tissues involved by Haemophilia is the bone, particularly in the periarticular zone: poor bone quality and decrease of bone stock are typical patterns, and the worse is the arthropathy, the greater the bone loss. The orthopaedic management of such condition is now mandatory and characterized by several surgical techniques. The purpose of this work is to provide an overview of these options derived from our experience in managing haemophilic patients.

Hip arthropathy in haemophilic patients is disabling for hip and other common target joints. Even if bleedings in the hip are not frequent, femoroacetabular alterations may affect the functional ability of patients at a very young age. A haematologic prophylaxis combined with an adequate lifestyle and regular and low-traumatic physical activity are the keys to preventing such arthropathy. In the early stages of arthropathy, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be sufficient to limit its progression. In cases of recurrent symptoms, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, and chemical synoviorthesis are useful options. In more advanced stages, hip arthroscopy may be treated by synovectomy or loose body removal. For late stages, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is mandatory. Until a few decades ago, the clinical outcomes after hip arthroplasty were variable, due to the different management of patients and the use of old generation implants and couplings. In the last decade, the introduction of the multidisciplinary management and the use of modern cementless implants with high performing materials and less invasive surgical techniques have dramatically improved the functional results. Nowadays, as is the case for other target joints, the purpose of the management in haemophilia centers is the early detection of any hip alterations-by clinical and ultrasound (US) evaluations of patients in childhood-to reveal any early articular damage and to provide adequate treatment in case of symptoms. The present paper represents an updated review of the several approaches to hip arthropathy in haemophilia.

Until the late 1980s, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint reconstruction had been almost exclusively performed by the use of monobloc silicone spacers and associated with acceptable to good clinical outcomes.More recently, new materials such as metal-on-polyethylene and pyrocarbon implants were proposed, associated with good short-term and mid-term results.Pyrocarbon is a biologically inert and biocompatible material with a low tendency to wear. PIP pyrolytic implants are characterised by a graphite core, visible on radiographs and covered by a radiolucent outer layer of pyrocarbon.New surgical techniques and better patient selection with tailored rehabilitative protocols, associated with the knowledge arising from the long-term experience with pyrocarbon implants, has demonstrated noteworthy clinical outcomes over the years, as demonstrated by recent studies. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2:21-27. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160041., Competing Interests: ICMJE Conflict of interest statement: None