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Postoperative infections after allograft implantation is a major concern in knee ligament reconstructions considering the theoretical risk of disease transmission and its potential severity. Here, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative infection rate after knee ligament reconstructions using aseptically processed allografts, and provide an overview of the allografts use in an academic tertiary hospital. A retrospective study was performed evaluating patients who underwent knee ligament reconstructions using aseptically processed allografts, including primary and revision surgeries, from 2005 to 2018. Demographic data, including the type of knee injury and trauma energy, and postoperative data were collected focusing on postoperative infections. Regarding these infected cases, further analyses were performed considering the presenting signs and symptoms, the isolated microorganism identified in culture, the time between graft implantation and diagnosis of infection (defined as acute, subacute, and late), and the need for graft removal. A total of 180 cases of ligament reconstructions were included. The mean follow-up was 8.2 (range: 2.1–15.6) years and the mean age at surgery was 34.1 (± 11.1) years. A total of 262 allografts were implanted in those 180 cases, 93 (35.5%) as bone plug allografts and 169 (64.5%) as soft tissue allografts. Common surgical indications included multiligament reconstruction (57.2%) and primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (15%). Seven cases (3.9%) presented postoperative infections. Knee pain (100%) and swelling (100%) were the most prevalent symptoms. Two cases (28.6%) presented sinus tract. Allografts were removed in two cases, the same cases that presented draining sinus (p = 0.04). High-energy trauma was the only statistically associated factor for infection (p = 0.04). No significant association between infection and the type of allograft (p > 0.99) or sex (p = 0.35) were observed. Four cases (57.1%) had monomicrobial staphylococcal infections. Based on that, the allograft-related infection rate was 1.7% (the remaining three infected cases). Nonirradiated, aseptically processed allografts have a low postoperative infection rate in knee ligament reconstructions, being a safe alternative for surgeries that require additional source, increased variety, and quantity of grafts.

BACKGROUND The quantitative alpha-defensin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) demands a prior synovial fluid centrifugation, whereas this processing is not routinely required prior to the alpha-defensin lateral flow test. AIM To evaluate whether a prior synovial fluid centrifugation could lead the lateral flow performance to achieve comparable results to ELISA during periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. METHODS Fifty-three cases were included in this study: 22 classified as PJI and 31 classified as aseptic cases, according to Musculoskeletal Infection Society 2013 criteria. Synovial fluid samples were submitted to centrifugation, and the supernatant was evaluated by ELISA and lateral flow tests. The sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP) and accuracy of each method were calculated as well as the agreement between those two methods. RESULTS In all of the 31 samples from aseptic patients, alpha-defensin ELISA and lateral flow tests showed negative results for infection. Regarding the 22 infected patients, the lateral flow test was positive in 19 cases (86.4%) and the ELISA was positive in 21 (95.5%). Sensibility, SP and accuracy were, respectively, 86.4% (95%CI: 65.1%-97.1%), 100% (95%CI: 88.8%-100%) and 93.2% (95%CI: 82.8%-98.3%) for the lateral flow test and 95.5% (95%CI: 77.2%-99.9%), 100% (95%CI: 88.8%-100%) and 98.1% (95%CI: 89.9%-100%) for ELISA. An agreement of 96.2% between those methods were observed. No statistical difference was found between them (P = 0.48). CONCLUSION Alpha-defensin lateral flow test showed high SE, SP and accuracy after a prior synovial fluid centrifugation, achieving comparable results to ELISA. Considering the lower complexity of the lateral flow and its equivalent performance obtained in this condition, a prior centrifugation might be added as a valuable step to enhance the PJI diagnosis.

To evaluate the profile of blood loss and blood transfusions after the introduction of Tranexamic acid (TXA) in a tertiary university hospital in Brazil.173 patients were retrospectively divided into two groups: the ones who received TXA and the control group. Hemoglobin levels (Hb), drain output, transfusion rates, and thromboembolic events were measured.Among the patients included in this study, 82 cases received TXA. Blood transfusion occurred in 3 cases of the TXA group (3.7%), and in 27 control group cases (29.7%; p0.001). The average Hb decrease was 2.7 g/dl (± 1.39) and the median drain output was 270 mL in the TXA group. In the control group, the values were 3.41 g/dl (± 1.34; p0.001) and 460 mL (p0.001), respectively. Thromboembolic events occurred in 2 TXA group cases (2.4%) and in 3 control group cases (3.3%; p0.999).TXA was effective in reducing blood transfusion rates, Hb decrease, and drain output on the 1st postoperative day without increasing thromboembolic events.Avaliar o perfil de perda sanguínea e hemotransfusões após a introdução da prática do uso de ácido tranexâmico (ATX) em um serviço terciário universitário brasileiro.173 pacientes foram separados retrospectivamente em dois grupos: uso do ATX e controle. Foram analisados valores da hemoglobina (Hb), débito do dreno, necessidade transfusional e complicações tromboembólicas.Dentre os pacientes admitidos no estudo, 82 fizeram uso do ATX. Hemotransfusão ocorreu em 3 casos do grupo ATX (3,7%) e em 27 controles (29,7%, p0,001). A queda de Hb teve média de 2,7 g/dl (± 1,39) e o débito do dreno, mediana de 270 ml no grupo ATX. No grupo controle, os valores foram de 3,41 g/dl (± 1,34; p0.001) e de 460 ml (p0.001), respectivamente. Eventos tromboembólicos ocorreram em 2 casos (2,4%) no grupo ATX e em 3 no controle (3,3%, p0.999).o uso do ATX foi efetivo em reduzir hemotransfusões, queda de Hb e débito drenado no 1° dia pós-operatório, sem aumentar eventos tromboembólicos. Nível de evidência III, Estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

With novel and minimally invasive therapies increasingly sought after to address acute and chronic conditions of the musculoskeletal system, orthoregenerative strategies have been gaining attention given their potential to modulate and improve the body's healing response. Aiming to facilitate communication, education and translational research on orthobiologics, the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society Virtual Convention 2021 was conducted to outline key strategies frequently used in research and clinical application, including blood-derivatives, stem cells, biomechanical concepts and engineering strategies, as well as exploring new developments and promising targets in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. This article will summarize the International Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation Society Virtual Convention 2021, reviewing both the scientific "Know Why" as well as the clinical "Know How", to encompass the entire spectrum of orthoregeneration, bench to bedside, in 2021 and beyond.

Congenital femoral deficiency (CFD) is a rare disorder with several limb anomalies including limb shortening and knee cruciate ligament dysplasia. Limb lengthening is usually performed to correct lower limb discrepancy. However, complications, such as knee subluxation/dislocation, can occur during this treatment. Here, we explore CFD knee abnormalities and knee dislocation during limb elongation, discussing when and whether knee ligament reconstruction prior to the lengthening would be necessary to reduce the risk of knee dislocation. There is not enough support in the literature for the routine reconstruction of cruciate ligaments in CFD patients. Of note, in cases of severe anteroposterior or posterolateral rotatory instability, cruciate ligament reconstruction might be considered to decrease the risk of knee subluxation/dislocation during the lengthening treatment.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:565-571. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200075

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is mostly responsible for providing knee stability. ACL injury has a marked effect on daily activities, causing pain, dysfunction, and elevated healthcare costs. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is the standard treatment for this injury. However, despite good results, ACLR is associated with a significant rate of failure. In this context, the mechanical and biological causes must be considered. From a biological perspective, the ACLR depends on the osseointegration of the graft in the adjacent bone and the process of intra-articular ligamentization for good results. Here, we discuss the mechanisms underlying the normal graft healing process after ACLR and its biological modulation, thus, presenting novel strategies for biological enhancements of the ACL graft. Level of evidence III, Systematic review of level III studies. RESUMO O ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) é um dos principais responsáveis pela estabilidade do joelho. Sua lesão gera importante prejuízo nas atividades diárias, causando dor e disfunção, com elevado custo socioeconômico. A reconstrução ligamentar é o tratamento padrão atual e, embora com bons resultados, ainda apresenta significativo índice de falhas. Nesse contexto, causas mecânicas e biológicas são consideradas. Do ponto de vista biológico, a reconstrução do LCA depende da osteointegração do enxerto no osso adjacente e do processo de ligamentização intra-articular para um bom resultado. Neste artigo, são discutidos o processo de cicatrização normal do enxerto após a reconstrução ligamentar e os mecanismos biológicos de modulação dessa cicatrização, apresentando as atuais estratégias biológicas já estudadas para otimizar esse processo. Nivel de evidência III, Revisão sistemática de estudos nível III.

Cartilage lesions are common sequelae of knee injury and pose a significant health burden to patients limiting sports practicing and routine activities. The nature of the cartilage lesions is still unclear, and multiple factors have been associated with its development and progression. Considering that symptoms are not always readily detected or reported and, when they are, a wide variety of clinical presentations might occur, the early diagnosis of cartilage injury is difficult. Moreover, recognizing which patient needs surgical cartilage interventions and what procedure would be most suited is still challenging, and the treatment usually is personalized based upon the patients’ specific situation. This chapter will explore the clinical, imaging, and treatment aspects of cartilage defects, serving as a guide to assist the management of patients with cartilage injury.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a epidemiologia e as caracteristicas das lesoes e dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo. Metodos Revisao retrospectiva dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo internados de 2006 a 2010, no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia dessa instituicao. Foram analisados parâmetros como idade, genero, lateralidade, mecanismo de trauma, tipo de fratura, lesoes associadas, exposicao e tempo decorrido ate o tratamento cirurgico. Resultados Foram encontrados 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, dez casos bilaterais (19,2%), total de 62 calcâneos fraturados, com predominio do genero masculino, na relacao 5,5:1. A media de idade foi de 36,8 anos. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi a queda de altura (75,0% dos casos), seguido por acidentes de motocicleta (11,5%) e acidentes de automovel (9,6%). Fraturas intra‐articulares foram mais frequentes, com 47 casos. Quinze pacientes apresentaram fraturas expostas (28,9%). Dos 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, 11 foram tratados conservadoramente e 41, cirurgicamente. O tempo medio entre o trauma e o tratamento cirurgico definitivo foi de 7,8 dias, variou de 0 a 21 dias, com a maioria dentro dos primeiros sete dias (58,5%). Conclusao Pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo atendidos em um hospital voltado para o atendimento de alta complexidade foram na maioria jovens, do sexo masculino, que sofreram queda de altura e com algum tipo de lesao associada. Os indices elevados de bilateralidade (19,2%) e de exposicao da fratura (28,9%) caracterizam a maior gravidade dessas fraturas nesse grupo populacional.

Background: Tibial tubercle osteotomy with concomitant distalization for the treatment of patellar instability remains controversial, as it may cause anterior knee pain and chondral degeneration. Purpose: To evaluate radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes in patients who had patellar instability with patella alta and underwent tibial tubercle osteotomy with distalization (TTO-d) as well as medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Included in this study were 25 patients (31 cases) (mean age at surgery, 28.7 years; range, 14-33 years) with patellar instability and patella alta who underwent TTO-d with minimum 1-year follow-up. The Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, and amount of distalization were assessed. Clinical and functional variables included J-sign, anterior knee pain, apprehension test, Tegner activity level, and Kujala score. Results: The mean follow-up period was 2.62 years. The mean TT-TG was 16.15 mm (range, 7-24 mm); the mean CDI changed from 1.37 (1.25-1.7) preoperatively to 1.02 (0.9-1.12) postoperatively ( P = .001); and the mean amount of tibial tubercle distalization was 8.80 mm (range, 4-16 mm). Lateral release (22 cases; 71.0%), medialization of tibial tubercle (17 cases; 54.8%), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (4 cases; 12.9%) were other associated procedures. The J-sign improved in 30 cases (96.8%; P = .001), and there was a complete resolution of anterior knee pain in 22 cases (71.0%; P = .001). An exploratory analysis showed that patellar cartilage defect severity was correlated with persistent pain ( P = .005). The apprehension test became negative in all cases ( P = .001). The median Kujala score increased from 52 to 77 ( P = .001), and the median Tegner activity level improved from 3 to 4 ( P = .001). No cases of osteotomy nonunion were reported. One case (3.2%) of patellar instability recurrence and 3 cases (6.5%) with painful hardware were observed. Conclusion: TTO-d resulted in good radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes providing proper patellar stability to patients with patella alta. TTO-d appears to be a safe and efficient procedure with low complication rates, providing an additional tool for the personalized treatment of patellar instability.

Objective: To analyze the epidemiology and characteristics of patients with calcaneus fractures. Methods: This is a retrospective revision of patients with calcaneus fractures hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of this institution between 2006 and 2010. Data such as age, gender, laterality, trauma mechanism, type of fracture, associated injuries, compound fractures, and time from injury to surgery were analyzed. Results: The analysis of 52 patients showed that men were more commonly affected than women, at a ratio of 5.5:1. Bilateral fractures were observed in ten cases, resulting in a total of 62 calcaneus fractures. A fall from a height was the most frequent trauma mechanism (75%), followed by motorcycle accidents (11.5%) and automobile accidents (9.6%). The most frequent fractures were intra-articular, with 47 cases. Compound fractures were observed in 15 patients (28.9%). Non-surgical management was adopted for 11 patients while 41 patients underwent surgery. The mean time between trauma and the definitive treatment was 7.8 days (range: 0-21 days), and 58.5% of cases were treated within seven days. Conclusion: Patients with calcaneus fractures, most commonly young men, were admitted to a high complexity care hospital, victims of a fall from a height with associated injuries. The great severity of these fractures is characterized by the high prevalence of bilateral (19.2%) and compound fractures (28.9%) in this population group. RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a epidemiologia e as características das lesões e dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo. Métodos: Revisão retrospectiva dos pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo internados de 2006 a 2010, no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia dessa instituição. Foram analisados parâmetros como idade, gênero, lateralidade, mecanismo de trauma, tipo de fratura, lesões associadas, exposição e tempo decorrido até o tratamento cirúrgico. Resultados: Foram encontrados 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, dez casos bilaterais (19,2%), total de 62 calcâneos fraturados, com predomínio do gênero masculino, na relação 5,5:1. A média de idade foi de 36,8 anos. O mecanismo de trauma mais frequente foi a queda de altura (75,0% dos casos), seguido por acidentes de motocicleta (11,5%) e acidentes de automóvel (9,6%). Fraturas intra-articulares foram mais frequentes, com 47 casos. Quinze pacientes apresentaram fraturas expostas (28,9%). Dos 52 pacientes com fratura do calcâneo, 11 foram tratados conservadoramente e 41, cirurgicamente. O tempo médio entre o trauma e o tratamento cirúrgico definitivo foi de 7,8 dias, variou de 0 a 21 dias, com a maioria dentro dos primeiros sete dias (58,5%). Conclusão: Pacientes com fraturas do calcâneo atendidos em um hospital voltado para o atendimento de alta complexidade foram na maioria jovens, do sexo masculino, que sofreram queda de altura e com algum tipo de lesão associada. Os índices elevados de bilateralidade (19,2%) e de exposição da fratura (28,9%) caracterizam a maior gravidade dessas fraturas nesse grupo populacional.