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Background IM nails are the gold standard of subtrochanteric fractures management. Indications to use a short rather than a long nail remain unclear. Operative complications of subtrochanteric fractures reach up to 25%. Objective Retrospectively compare clinical and radiographic outcome of subtrochanteric fractures treated by long and short intramedullary nailing, analysing rates of complications Methods 390 patients were chosen from the archives. 194 patients were available: 70 treated with a short intramedullary nail (Group A), while 124 with long one (Group B). Radiographic evaluation at 6 and 12 months assess failure of the osteosynthesis. Clinical outcomes were the return to normal activities prior trauma and VAS scale. Group A mean age was 81.37 years, group B mean age was 78.9 years (29-99, SD: 15.38). Results Radiografic Healing was found in 66 patients (94.28%) in group A, while in 116 patients (94.54%) in group B. Pseudarthrosis was found in 4 cases (5.71%) in group A, while in 8 cases (6.45%) in group B. Implant failure occurred in 5 cases: one required revision of fixation, while 4 require hip replacement. 59 patients of group A (84.29%) returned to social life, while 102 patients (81.94%) in group B. Group A mean VAS was 1.55, Group B mean VAS was 1.49. Conclusion Comparison of the two group showed no differences. Complication percentages are in line with literature. Optimal reduction and fixation allow high percentage of healing and return to social life.

An emerging issue for orthopedic surgeons is how to manage patients with active or previous COVID-19 disease, avoiding any major risks for the surgeons and the O.R. personnel. This monocentric prospective observational study aims to assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RT-PCR RNA in cancellous bone samples in patients with active or previous COVID-19 disease. We collected data about 30 consecutive patients from our institution from January 2021 to March 2021 with active or previous COVID-19 disease. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the samples was determined using two different PCR-based assays. Eighteen of the thirty patients included in the study had a positive nasopharyngeal swab at the time of surgery. Twelve patients had a negative nasopharyngeal swab with a mean days since negativization of 138 ± 104 days, ranging from 23 to 331 days. Mean days of positivity to the nasal swab were 17 ± 17. Twenty-nine out of thirty (96.7%) samples were negative for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. In one sample, low SARS-CoV-2 load (Cycle threshold (Ct) 36.6.) was detected but not confirmed using an additional confirmatory assay. The conducted study demonstrates the absence of the viral genome within the analyzed cancellous bone. We think that the use of personal protection equipment (PPE) to only protect from aerosol produced during surgery, both in active and recovered patients, is not strictly necessary. We think that the use of PPE should not be employed by surgeons and the O.R. personnel to protect themselves from aerosols produced from the respiratory tract. Moreover, we think that our results could represent a valid basis for further studies related to the possibility of bone donation in patients that suffered and recovered from COVID-19.

Objective. Herein, we present a case series of patients treated with megaprosthesis who sustained high energy trauma with comminuted articular hip or knee fracture, complex periprosthetic fractures or pathological fractures.Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 15 consecutive patients who sustained knee re- placement/revision (7 patients) and 8 patients who underwent hip replacement/revision with megaprosthesis between 2014 and 2018. In the knee group, there was 1 man and 6 women, while in the hip group there were 3 men and 5 women.In knee group, preoperative indications were: periprosthetic fracture; highly comminuted distal femoral fracture; metastatic localization of distal femur; nonunion of distal femoral fracture in one case.In the hip group, preoperative indications were: subtrochanteric pathological fractures; peri- prosthetic fracture; recurrent infection; recurrent tumoral lesions.Preoperative evaluation included standard radiographs; CT-scan with 3D reconstruction for tailored implant planning; MRI only for pathological localization.Results. Mean clinical follow-up with radiographic control was 44 months (range 23-71). All complications were managed before the patient left the hospital. During the follow-up period, 13 of 15 patients regained walking ability as before surgery. At the end of follow-up, 6 patients had died due to causes not related to the surgery.Conclusions. The use of megaprosthesis offers useful solutions for different pathologies such as tumors, infections, comminu ed fractures, and periprosthetic fractures in the elderly patient with good functional results.

Background: Large metaphyseal bone losses are commonly encountered in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) type 2 and 3 defects generally require some metaphyseal fixation or augmentation. This study evaluates the midterm results of Porous Tantalum Trabecular Metal™ (TM) cones in revision TKA addressing severe bone loss. Methods: Patients who underwent revision TKA using metaphyseal cones and a varus-valgus constrained (VVC) implant from January 2010 to January 2018 at our institution were identified from a prospective research database. Pre-operative patient characteristics and operative data were reviewed. Postoperative outcomes were compared with pre-operative values. Primary study aims were to evaluate outcomes, including complications and re-operations, radiographic assessment of cones osteointegration, and survivorship. Results: A total of 101 knees (101 patients) underwent revision TKA with 139 metaphyseal cones (80 tibial, 59 femoral). AORI defect classification was assessed intraoperatively. All patients were available for a minimum of 2years of clinical and radiographic follow up. Mean follow up was 7.5years (range 3-11years). All patients showed significant improvement of clinical outcomes. Fifteen knees required re-operation and nine required revision of the implants, most commonly for recurrent infection (six of nine revisions) with cones removal. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis show a survival rate of 93.9% at 2years and a survival rate of 90.2% at 5 and 11years. Conclusions: This large series illustrates the utility of porous metaphyseal cones in revision TKA with promising clinical and radiographic results and a high survival rate at mid-term follow up.

In this article, we provide an extensive review of the recent literature of the signaling pathways modulated by Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) and PEMFs clinical application. A review of the literature was performed on two medical electronic databases (PubMed and Embase) from 3 to 5 March 2021. Three authors performed the evaluation of the studies and the data extraction. All studies for this review were selected following these inclusion criteria: studies written in English, studies available in full text and studies published in peer-reviewed journal. Molecular biology, identifying cell membrane receptors and pathways involved in bone healing, and studying PEMFs target of action are giving a solid basis for clinical applications of PEMFs. However, further biology studies and clinical trials with clear and standardized parameters (intensity, frequency, dose, duration, type of coil) are required to clarify the precise dose-response relationship and to understand the real applications in clinical practice of PEMFs.

Purpose: Radiological evaluation of femoroacetabular impingement is based on single-plane parameters such as the alpha angle or the center edge angle, or complex software reconstruction. A new simple classification for cam and pincer morphologies, based on a two-plane radiological evaluation, is presented in this study. The determination of the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of this new classification is the purpose of this study. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the three-view hip study in patient undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI syndrome between October 2015 and April 2016. Any case having protrusio acetabuli, coxa profunda or which has undergone previous osteotomic surgery was excluded. Five observers used our proposed classification to identify three different stages for the cam and pincer morphologies. Inter- and intraobserver agreement of classification was determined using average pairwise Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Results: The interobserver agreement for the pincer and cam morphologies was excellent. For the pincer morphology classification, the average Kappa agreement was 0.838 (range 0.764–0.944). For the cam morphology, the average pairwise Cohen’s kappa coefficient was 0.846 (range 0.734–0.929). The intraobserver agreement was excellent as well. The average percent pairwise agreement was 0.870 and 0.845 for pincer and cam type, respectively. Conclusions: The new classification system shows excellent levels of inter- and intraobserver agreement for both deformities. This classification is demonstrated to be a useful tool in planning hip arthroscopy. Further studies are needed to correlate the classification itself with specific intraoperative findings.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) are the most common class of complaints among patients presenting for care in the Emergency Department (ED). There is a non-urgent patient population with musculoskeletal complaints attending ED services that creates a burgeoning waiting list and contributes to overcrowding in Emergency Departments (EDs), which is a major concern worldwide. The recent (Coronavirus disease-19) COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge that is revealing the structural and situational strengths and weaknesses of healthcare systems. Methods: This study retrospectively and prospectively assessed patients presenting to the Emergency Department before and after the COVID-19 outbreak (from 21 February 2019 to 3 May 2019 and from 21 February 2020 to 3 May 2020) with non-traumatic or low-severity musculoskeletal conditions to test the hypothesis that these patients should have access to care outside the ED and that the COVID-19 outbreak has changed patients’ care and health perception. Results: A total of 613 patients were identified, and 542 of them (87.56%) participated in a personalized survey. From this number, 81.73% of the total accesses took place in 2019, and only 18.27% of the accesses took place during the first outbreak and lockdown. More than 90% of patients admitted to the ED accessed care during the day shift in both periods. A total of 87.30% of patients presenting to the ED with a MSKD followed their general practitioner’s (GP) advice/referral in 2019, and 73.87% did so in 2020. The differences in the means of transport to the ED was statistically significant (p-value 0.002). Conclusions: The outbreak and lockdown period confirmed that there is an inappropriate use of the ED related to patients with MSKD. However, the ED appears to be the only available solution for these patients. New services and pathways are therefore needed to enhance MSKD management and reduce ED crowding. Additional observational studies shall be developed to confirm and compare our findings with those of various EDs. The main limit of the inferential part of the study is probably due to the small sample of patients in 2020.

Background: Low back pain and sciatica represent a common disabling condition with a significant impact on the social, working and economic lives of patients. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a surgical procedure used in degenerative spine conditions. Several types of cages were used in the TLIF procedure. Purpose: To determine whether there is a difference in terms of symptomatology improvement, return to daily activities and fusion rate between metal cages and polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cages. Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who have undergone TLIF from October 2015 to May 2016. All patients were clinically evaluated with questionnaires and were assessed with CT scan and standing X-ray films of the full-length spine. Results: We found no significant functional differences in the two groups. At 1-year follow-up, osteolysis was present in 50% of cases of the PEEK cages and in 10% cases of the metal cages. The degree of fusion at 1 year was evaluated as complete in 40% cases of the metal cages and 15% cases of the PEEK cages. Conclusions: We have found a better fusion rate and prevalence of fusion in the group treated with metal cages, reflecting the well-known osteoinductive properties of titanium and tantalum.

Purpose The study aims to present the results at a mean 28-months follow-up of arthroscopic-guided balloon tibioplasty and to spot some technical tricks and some practice using tools and materials. Methods The study relates to six patients with tibial plateau fractures type Schatzker III with tibial plateau depression more than 4 mm at preoperative computed tomography scan (CT-scan). The follow-up period ranged from 22 to 33 months, with a mean of 28 months. No patients were lost to follow-up. The patients were evaluated clinically using the Rasmussen score system and Lysholm score systems at 6 to 12 and 24 months, postoperatively. Radiographic evaluations (standard X-rays) were done preoperatively at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively while a CT-scan with 3D reconstruction was performed preoperatively, at the first day and 6 months, postoperatively. Results The mean Rasmussen clinical score at 6 months postoperatively was 26.3 while at 1-year postoperatively the mean Rasmussen clinical score was 28.33. At 2-year postoperatively the mean Rasmussen clinical score was 28.83. Statistically significant difference was found in 6-months and 2-years results (p Conclusion The described surgical procedure, if correctly performed with proper indications (Schatzker III), respect the principles mentioned above and the clinical and radiological results confirm our purpose. Level of Evidence This is a therapeutic case series, level IV study.

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate, at 8 years, the clinical follow-up and failure rate (revision rate/conversion to arthroplasty) of patients with hip chondral lesions associated with femoroacetabular impingement and to compare over time the treatment by microfracture (MFx) and autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Methods: Patients aged between 18 and 55 years, with acetabular grade III and IV chondral lesions (Outerbridge), measuring 2 to 8 cm2 operated on at least 8 years before enrollment. Exclusion criteria were rheumatoid arthritis, dysplasia, or axial deviation of the femoral head. There were no arthritic lesions, Tonnis < 2, or joint space of at least 2 mm. MFx was performed with an awl, and the Chondro-Gide membrane used for the AMIC procedure was placed without glue. Outcomes used modified Harris hip score (mHHS) at 6 months and yearly for 8 years and patient acceptable symptomatic state. Results: Among 130 patients, 109 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Fifty were treated by MFx and 59 by AMIC. The mHHS significantly improved in both groups from 46 ± 6.0 to 78 ± 8.8 for mHHS at 6-12 months, even for lesions > 4 cm2. From 2 to 8 years, mHHS in the AMIC group was better than in the MFx group (P

Purpose This study aimed to highlight short- and medium-term outcomes of combined medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and anterior tibial tuberosity (ATT) transposition surgery in patients with recurrent patellar instability and different degrees of trochlear dysplasia. Methods Between January 2014 and May 2019, 25 patients with patellar instability underwent a surgical procedure combining the lowering/transposition of the ATT and the MPFL reconstruction. Each patient were preoperative assessed by Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner activity level scale. The assessment of instability predisposing factors was carried out with patellar height, tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance, trochlear dysplasia, sulcus angle, patellar tilt and MPFL injuries. Functional outcomes were evaluated with Kujala, IKDC and Tegner scores at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results The average age of the patients was 20 years (range 13–43 years). Pre- operative Caton–Deschamps index was pathological in 10 (40%). Sulcus angle was elevated in 13 patients (52%) and TT-TG distance was irregular in 17 patients (68%). Trochlear dysplasia was present in 13 patients (9 type A, 3 type B, 1 type C according to Dejour’s Classification). No re-dislocation occurred during the follow-up. There was a significant increase in the Kujala, IKDC and Lysholm scores after 3, 6 and 12 months, and the results were compared for the different follow-up times and patient’s trochlear dysplasia degree. Conclusion This prospective observational longitudinal study identified good clinical outcomes in patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction and ATT transposition for patellar instability. Finally, the different risk factors for patellar instability examined, particularly the presence of trochlear dysplasia, did not significantly influence the final functional results, which range from good to excellent without re-dislocation episodes.

Background The aim of this paper is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a fluted tapered modular distal-fixation stem at medium to long-term follow-up. The hypothesis of this investigation was to verify if the use of this implant design may have provided potential advantages in femoral revisions and post-traumatic instances where the restoration of the anatomy was the prime concern. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 62 cases of femoral revision surgeries, performed in Paprosky type IIIA and IIIB bone defects between January 2001 and December 2011 with a mean follow-up of 8.5 ± 1.5 years (range 5.1–15.9 years) where a modular fluted stem was used. The clinical assessment was performed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS), and the radiographic evaluation was carried in order to assess the stability of the femoral component. Intra-operative and postoperative complications were recorded, and the rates of complications and revisions for any cause were determined. Results Mean HHS improved 35.4 points from the preoperative assessment. Radiographic evaluation showed a stable stem anchorage in 90.3% of the cases at the last follow-up. Five (8%) implants required additional surgery. Neither breakage of the stem nor loosening of the taper junction were recorded. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 89.4% (CI: 88.8–90%) for any complication and 92.3% (CI: 91.8–92.7%) according to revision for any causes at 81 months follow-up. Conclusions Our findings suggest that this stem design is a reliable option in cases of complex femoral bone defects, as well as in cases with high functional deficiencies, with promising survivorship.

Background: Femoral intramedullary canal referencing is used by most knee arthroplasty systems for distal femoral cut; to avoid the opening of the femoral canal different solutions have been presented such as navigation, patient-specific instruments (PSI) or the use of an extramedullary device. The FuZion® system is a tensor device, created to merge the two main techniques for performing a total knee arthroplasty: the ligament balancing and measured resection techniques. Our idea was to use the tensor as an extramedullary cutting guide for the distal femoral cut, based on a 90° tibial resection. Methods: A total of 110 patients were operated on with this technique. Patients were evaluated with weight-bearing long-standing X-rays, knee a-p and lateral views, validated PROMs (Oxford Knee Score, EQ-5D and EQ-VAS), the Knee Society Scoring System (KSS) and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). Minimum follow up was 3years (range 38–50months). Results: Complete results were available for 104 patients (5 were lost in follow up and 1 died). Significant improvements were registered for all the evaluated scores from pre-op to the final follow up. Pre-op long-standing X-rays showed 21 valgus knees (20%) with a mean HKA of 187.6° (± 3.2°), 70 varus knees (62%) with a mean 172.2° (± 3.7°) HKA and 19 neutrally aligned knees, with a mean HKA of 179.5° (0 ± 2°). The radiographic evaluation at 3months post-op showed 20 valgus knees (mean HKA 183.7° ± 1.5°), 67 varus knees (mean HKA 176.1° ± 1.8°) and 23 neutrally aligned knees with a mean HKA of 179.3° (0 ± 2°). At final follow up the survival rate was 100% for revision of the implant as the endpoint. With any reoperation as the endpoint Kaplan–Meier survival estimate showed a survival rate of 95.1% at 3years. Conclusions: This technique for performing a ligament driven alignment in total knee arthroplasty showed encouraging clinical outcomes at mid-term follow up leaving a residual deformity on the coronal plane.

Patellar resurfacing during total knee arthroplasty remains a controversial topic. Some surgeons routinely resurface the patella to avoid the increased rates of postoperative anterior knee pain and reoperation for secondary resurfacing, whilst others selectively resurface based on the presence of preoperative anterior knee pain, damaged articular cartilage, inflammatory arthritis, isolated patellofemoral arthritis, and patellar subluxation and/or maltracking. A third group of surgeons never resurface the patella. The anatomy and biomechanics of the patellofemoral joint as well as the advances in surgical techniques and prosthetic design must be taken into account when making a decision about whether to resurface the patella. Accurate component implantation if the patella is resurfaced becomes crucial to avoid complications. In our institution before 2008 we were performing a selective resurfacing of the patella, but in the last decade we have decided to always resurface it, with good outcomes and low complication rate. A reproducible surgical technique may be helpful in reducing the risk of postoperative anterior knee pain and complications related to implants. In this article we analyse the current trend and controversial topics in dealing with the patella in total knee arthroplasty, and discuss the available literature in order to sustain our choice.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:785-792. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190075

Background: Hemophilia A and B are X-linked congenital bleeding disorders characterized by recurrent hemarthroses leading to specific changes in the synovium and cartilage, which finally result in the destruction of the joint: this process is called hemophilic arthropathy (HA). This review highlights the most prominent molecular biomarkers found in the literature to discuss their potential use in the clinical practice to monitor bleeding, to assess the progression of the HA and the effectiveness of treatments. Methods: A review of the literature was performed on PubMed and Embase, from 3 to 7 August 2020. Study selection and data extraction were achieved independently by two authors and the following inclusion criteria were determined a priori: English language, available full text and articles published in peer-reviewed journal. In addition, further articles were identified by checking the bibliography of relevant articles and searching for the studies cited in all the articles examined. Results: Eligible studies obtained at the end of the search and screen process were seventy-three (73). Conclusions: Despite the surge of interest in the clinical use of biomarkers, current literature underlines the lack of their standardization and their potential use in the clinical practice preserving the role of physical examination and imaging in early diagnosis.

Fifty-eight percent of the total infections in Italy of COVID-19 were found in northern Italy, in particular, Lombardy. From February 21, 2020, to March 23, 2020, 20 patients with a fracture and a diagnosis of COVID-19 were hospitalized. Demographic data, COVID-19 symptoms, laboratory and radiographic examinations, and treatment methods were recorded. At 1-month follow-up, patients were assessed with the SF-36 score. This case series includes 20 patients (16 women and 4 men), with an average age of 82.35 years (range 59-95). Eleven patients (55%) had a femur fracture. Fourteen patients (70%) had 3 or more comorbidities or previous pathologies. Three patients with severe comorbidities died during the hospitalization. Thirteen patients (65%) had fever, 18 patients (90%) asthenia, and 17 patients (85%) dyspnea. All patients (100%) were given antibiotic therapy, whereas 16 patients (80%) underwent hydroxychloroquine therapy and 8 (40%) were treated with corticosteroids. Eighteen patients (90%) underwent antithromboembolic prophylaxis. Eighteen patients (90%) had lymphopenia. All 20 patients (100%) required noninvasive mechanical ventilation. High D-dimer and polymerase chain reaction values were found in all patients (100%), whereas lactate dehydrogenase was increased in 18 patients (90%). Patients with fractures, especially in the lower limbs, frequently require hospitalization, making these patients more subjected to the risk of COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 infection therefore does not seem to influence the fracture pattern in the elderly population but can lead to health deterioration with increased mortality. The typical symptoms of COVID-19 disease have not changed when associated with a fracture or trauma. Laboratory data are in line with what is reported in recent studies, whereas a more invasive assisted ventilation is associated with a poor prognosis. Finally, analyzing the data obtained from the SF-36 score, significantly lower values emerged when compared with those reported in the literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background The incidence of Achilles tendon (AT) rupture increased, but there is no gold standard treatment. The aim of this study is to compare clinical and functional results of standard and fast rehabilitation program (immobilization and no weight bearing for 4 weeks vs early joint mobility and weight bearing). Methods 33 patients underwent to open achilles tenorraphy between January and July 2018 using Krackow suture.15 patients were enrolled and underwent fast rehabilitation program. A control group of 18 patients underwent surgery and standard protocol. The degree of sural triceps hypotrophy compared with the controlateral leg (calf circumference 4 cm below the anterior tibial tuberosity and the tibial length), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score [8], the Victorian Institute of Sports Assesement - Achilles Questionnaire (VISA-A) [9] and The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) [10] were recorded at 12 months follow up. Ultrasonography and elastosonography were used to calculate different parameters both on the operated tendon and on the contralateral. Discussion Using ultrasonography, the only significant difference was recorded in the distal depth in both groups. We detected an increase of all measures in both groups comparing surgical side to the contralateral one. Using the elastosonography, the stiffness on healthy side was increased at the proximal and medial third in standard group, even if the distal third was major in fast group. On the operated side, stiffness was more on the proximal third in fast group (not statistically significant). There was an increase of tendon size on the surgical side compared to the “basal” one using US. The only statistically significant result was at distal third, and it could be due to the fact that giving an accelerated mobilization stimulates more collagen deposition, which could be a protective factor. Furthermore, at distal third of tendon we observed a greater reduction of stiffness in the fast group compared of the standard one. The results of the post-operative assessment scales are overlapping in the two groups. Clinical and functional evidence suggest that fast rehabilitation after AT surgical repair may be a first choice of treat, especially in young and active patients, because of minor local complications and higher level of satisfaction.

Objective: The International Cartilage Repair Society classification is the one mainly used to define chondral defects. However, this classification does not include delamination. The objective of the study is to describe the characteristics of this lesion to better explain its classification in the context of chondral lesions of the hip. Design: We performed a retrospective analysis of 613 patients who underwent hip arthroscopy. In this group, the incidence, localization, histological characteristics, and association to femoroacetabular impingement as well as to other intraarticular lesions of acetabular delamination (AD) were analyzed. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging accuracy and the different treatment options were also evaluated. Results: In our series, the incidence of the AD was 37% (226 patients over 613). The average age of this group was significantly lower (39.3 years) than the entire group of patients. Isolated cam (P < 0.01) and pincer morphologies (P < 0.05) had a significant statistical association with the AD. This lesion was primarily localized at the acetabular chondrolabral junction, mainly on the anterosuperior quadrant. The intraarticular lesions more frequently associated to AD were labral lesions (94.25%, P < 0.01), ligamentum teres lesions (28.32%, P < 0.05), and femoral head chondral lesions (19.9%, P < 0.01). The histological examination of the AD was characterized by hypocellularity and structural disorder of the matrix, with fissures. Treatment remains controversial. Conclusion: AD represents an intermediate stage in chondral damage and can be classified as a “2a” grade lesion. Histological examination confirms the intermediate and progressive character of this injury.

The improvement in the technology in the last 20 years has showed its main effect on the increase of the speed in the curves, thus leading to a rise of knee injuries. In fact, the most injured zone of the body was the knee (35,6 %) and the distal part of the lower body (11,5%), with ACL lesion as the most frequent diagnosis (49% of all the injuries to the knee) due to a trauma in valgus and external rotation in most of cases. The MCL is involved in the 15-20% of the cases while the LCL in only the 4,2% of the patients. Unique epidemiology and distinct mechanisms of injuries are peculiar for skier’s knee while evaluation and treatment is similar to evaluation and treatment of knee injuries in other athletes. In this narrative review we aimed to highlight the current evidences in skiers’ traumatology with special focus on the treatment nowadays proposed in the international literature and to the return to sport. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Background: Delamination of acetabular articular cartilage is a common progressive abnormality in hips with femoroacetabular impingement. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of two different procedures for the arthroscopic treatment of acetabular delamination: microfractures (MFx) and micro-fragmented autologous adipose tissue transplantation (MATT) technique. Methods: We carried out a controlled retrospective study of 35 patients affected by an acetabular cartilage delamination in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). In all the selected cases the size of the defect ranged from 1 to 2 cm2, with a mean size of 1.9 cm² in MFx group and 1.6 cm² in MATT group (p=0.1). Of these, 18 patients were treated with MFx while 17 patients were treated with MATT. The two groups were similar in terms of clinical, functional and radiological aspects. All the patients were assessed before and after the procedure, for pain and function, with the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). The mean preoperative mHHS was 50±5 for MFx group and 53±6 for MATT group (p = 0.245). All the patients were followed-up for two years. Results: The final mHHS was 76±12 in MFx group and 97.1±3 in MATT group (p

Chondral lesions are currently considered in the hip as a consequence of trauma, osteonecrosis, dysplasia, labral tears, loose bodies, dislocation, previous slipped capital femoral epiphysis and Femoro-Acetabular-Impingement (FAI). The management of chondral lesions is debated and several techniques are described. The physical examination must be carefully performed, followed by radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Differential diagnosis with other pathologies must be considered. Debridement is indicated in patients younger than 50 years with a chondropathy of 1st or 2nd degree. Microfractures are indicated in patients younger than 50 years with a chondropathy of 3rd or 4th degree less than 2 cm2. Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI) and Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis (AMIC) procedures are indicated in patients with full-thickness symptomatic 3rd–4th degree chondral defects, extended 2 cm2 or more. The AMIC procedure has the advantage of a one-step procedure and much less expense. Microfragmented adipose tissue transplantation (MATT) is indicated for the treatment of delamination and 1st and 2nd degree chondral lesions, regardless of the age of the patient. Chondral defects are effective when the joint space is not compromised. When the Tonnis classification is two or greater, treatment of chondral lesions should be considered ineffective.