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Treatment of osteomyelitis, in of itself, is challenging but is further complicated by attendant bone infections. The management of bone infection, and bone rebuilding may be assisted by the use of bioactive glasses (BAGs) which have antimicrobial and osteo-stimulative proprieties. However, this clinical application and potential complications associated with BAGs (e.g., BAG S53P4), are poorly defined. The aim of this study is to review the results of clinical research using BAG S53P4 in the treatment of human bone infections.This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus. We examined electronic databases from 1965 to 2018 using different combinations of the following keywords: "S53P4", "BonAlive", "infection" and "osteomyelitis".Eight studies were considered which included a total of 276 cases (mean age of 49.3 years). The most frequent pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus. A one-step surgical procedure was performed in 89.85% of cases. Good clinical and radiological outcomes were reported with a mean follow-up of 21.5 months. Twenty-three complications (8.3% of total cases) were described with the recurrence of bone infection as the most common complication (6.15% of total cases).BAG-S53P4 seems to be a useful bone filler in orthopaedic surgery for osteomyelitis treatment. The attendant clinical results and associated rate of complications associated with BAG S53P4 use are comparable with those of other techniques in the short term. However, long-term follow-up studies are required in order to confirm the longevity of this treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This review assesses the roles of IL-10 in post ACL reconstruction OA, and highlights the potential therapeutic effects of this cytokine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to consolidate evidence of IL-10 profiles in synovial fluid (SF) of patients with ACL tears. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. In total, 10 studies were found to be pertinent and were considered in depth. Seven studies reported on trends in IL-10 concentrations after an ACL tear; in addition, three studies described IL-10 concentrations after ACL reconstruction. In all studies, IL-10 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: IL-10 levels in SF were higher after ACL injury and ACL reconstruction compared to control knees. IL-10 levels were most elevated shortly after injury, but, decreased to more normal levels in chronic lesions. In contrast, the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α remained higher than controls immediately subsequent to, and, even 5 years post-injury. CONCLUSIONS: IL-10 is a modulatory cytokine with an active role in antagonizing TNF-α in the knee joint environment. Consideration of the role of IL-10 in the knee has now shifted from simply a key biomarker to having active therapeutic potential in the prevention of OA after ACL injury.

Introduction and Objective There is a significant risk of growth disturbance after ACL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients, in particular in Tanner stages 1-2, who have higher growth potential and consequently have a higher risk of major limb growth. We present our results with a new arthroscopic intra-articular ACL repairing technique with bioabsorbable suture anchor in patients Tanner 1-2 with proximal ACL tear. Materials and Methods Patients with Tanner stages 1–2 and proximal ACL tears with adequate tissue quality confirmed arthroscopically treated with suture anchor ACL reinsertion were included in the study. Clinical evaluation, KT-1000, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), MRI and Lysholm and Tegner activity score were collected during follow-up. Results Twenty patients reached inclusion criteria. Mean age 9.8 years (range 4 to 10). Nine patients were excluded for the following reasons: follow up less than 1 year (4), re-rupture after new trauma (4) mean time from ACL repair was 5 years (range 1-9) and loss to follow up (1). Eleven patients were evaluated with follow up of 4,6 years (from 1 to 11). All of the patients described their knees as normal and had returned to their previous level of activity with good IKDC, Lysholm score and side-to-side difference. No patient complained other knee trauma or instability. None of the patients developed any axial deviation or leg length discrepancies. At MRI one lateral meniscal tear was observed in one of the four patients with ACL re-rupture. No other new articular lesions were reported. Conclusions This technique in selected skeletally immature patients shows good results in terms of joint stability and recovery of sport activity in such young patients.

This study investigated modifications of microRNA expression profiles in knee synovial fluid of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Twelve microRNAs (26a-5p, 27a-3p, let7a-5p, 140-5p, 146-5p, 155-5p, 16-5p,186-5p, 199a-3p, 210-3p, 205-5p, and 30b-5p) were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in synovial fluids obtained from 30 patients with ACL tear and 18 patients with knee OA. These 12 miRNAs were chosen on the basis of their involvement in pathological processes of bone and cartilage. Our results show that miR-26a-5p, miR-186-5p, and miR-30b-5p were expressed in the majority of OA and ACL tear samples, whereas miR-199a-3p, miR-210-3p, and miR-205-5p were detectable only in a few samples. Interestingly, miR-140-5p was expressed in only one sample of thirty in the ACL tear group. miR-140-5p has been proposed to modulate two genes (BGN and COL5A1100) that are involved in ligamentous homeostasis; their altered expression could be linked with ACL rupture susceptibility. The expression of miR-30b-5p was higher in OA and chronic ACL groups compared to acute ACL samples. We provide evidence that specific miRNAs could be detected not only in synovial fluid of patients with OA, but also in post-traumatic ACL tears.

Background Discoid meniscus (DM) is a rare variant of regular knee anatomy. Compared to standard meniscus it is thicker and abnormal in shape; these characteristics make it more prone to tear. It is a congenital defect whose correct etiology is still debated and far from being clarified. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate evidences of DM in human fetuses in order to assess whether embryological development may have a role. Methods A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase with different combinations of the keywords “discoid meniscus”, “embryology”, “fetus”, “neonatal”. Search yielded 1013 studies, on which we performed a primary evaluation. Results Seven studies were considered including a total of 1378 fetal menisci specimens, from 396 different fetuses. Discoid shape was not found represented as a normal stage of prenatal development. From 782 lateral menisci analyzed, only 86 (10.86%) were discoid (13 complete, 73 incomplete type). None of medial menisci was found to be discoid. Lateral meniscus was observed to cover a larger surface of tibial plateau than medial one until 28th gestational week. Conclusion Lateral meniscus seems to be more prone to discoid shape for its natural tendency of covering a larger surface of the tibial plateau during fetal stages. However the fact that a discoid shape was not found in the majority of fetuses suggests that it is not a normal stage of fetal development. To support a single etiological factor it will be appropriate to have further morphological and morphometric studies.

Even though ankle sprains are among the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries seen in emergency departments, management of these injuries continues to lack standardization. Our objective was to carry out an umbrella review of systematic reviews to collect the most effective evidence-based treatments and to point out the state-of-the-art management for this injury. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane library were searched from January 2000 to September 2020. After removing duplicates and applying the eligibility criteria, based on titles and abstracts, 32 studies were screened. At the end of the process, 24 articles were included in this umbrella review with a mean score of 7.7/11 on the AMSTAR quality assessment tool. We found evidence supporting the effectiveness of non-surgical treatment in managing acute ankle sprain; moreover, functional treatment seems to be preferable to immobilization. We also found evidence supporting the use of paracetamol or opioids as effective alternatives to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain. Furthermore, we found evidence supporting the effectiveness of manipulative and supervised exercise therapy to prevent re-injury and restore ankle dorsiflexion.

Background Clinical outcomes and potential complications associated with Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone (BPTB) graft in skeletally immature ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are poorly defined. Considering that in Tanner 1–2 patients this kind of graft is not recommended, we focused our systematic review on the evaluation of all the studies in the literature that reported clinical outcomes and rate of complications of the ACLR using BPTB graft in Tanner 3–4 patients. Methods This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus were examined from 1965 to 2020 using different combinations of the following keywords: “ACL reconstruction”, “skeletally immature”, “young”, “patellar tendon” and “BPTB”. The database search yielded 742 studies, on which we performed a primary evaluation. After carrying out a full-text evaluation for the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were included in the final review and assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Ninety-six cases with mean age of 14.2 years were reported. Results Good stability and functional outcomes were reported with a mean follow-up of 49.5 months. Return to sport rate ranged from 91.7% to 100%. A KT-1000 side-to-side difference higher than 5 mm was observed in five patients (5.2%). No lower limb length discrepancy and angulation were reported. Graft rupture rate was 5.2%. Conclusion According to these results, BTPB graft could be a good choice in Tanner 3–4 patients who want to achieve their preinjury sport level with a low risk of growth disturbances and graft failure. Further investigations in a wider population are needed.

Introduction The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in skeletally immature patients has acutely increased over the last 20 years, yet there is no consensus on a single "best treatment". Selection of an optimal treatment is critical and based on individual circumstances; consequently, we propose a treatment-selection algorithm based on (i) skeletal development, (ii) ACL tear location, type, and quality, as well as (iii) parental perspective in order to facilitate the decision-making process. Evidence acquisition We combined our surgical group's extensive case histories of ACL tear management in Tanner Stage 1 and 2 patients with those in the literature to form a consolidated data base. For each case (i) the diagnostic phase, (ii) communication with patient and parents, (iii) treatment choice(s), (iv) selected surgical techniques and (v) rehabilitation schedule were critically analyzed and compared for patient outcomes. Evidence synthesis MRI-imaging and intraoperative tissue quality assessment were preeminent in importance for selection of the optimal treatment strategy. Considerations for selecting an optimal treatment included: (i) associated lesions, (ii) the child/patient and parent(s)' well-informed and counseled consent, (iii) biological potential, and (iv) the potential for successful ACL preservative surgery. Complete ACL tears were evaluated according to tear-location. In Type I and II ACL tears with remaining good tissue quality, we propose primary ACL repair. In Type III and IV ACL tears we propose physeal-sparing reconstruction with an iliotibial band graft. Finally, in the case of a Type V ACL tear, we propose that the best treatment be based on the Meyers-McKeever classification. Conclusions We present a facile decision-making algorithm for ACL management in pediatric patients based on specific elements of tissue damage and status.

Objective. To evaluate the refusal of the prosthesis in order to highlight elements in determining the acceptance/rejection of the prosthetic devices, and its role on rehabilitation program. Methods. A literature review through a search of the database Medline for studies published between October 2007 and May 2020 using the key words "prosthesis", "limb", and "accept"*. Results. Nine studies were included. Women appear to be more concerned about discomfort in using body-powered devices and about prosthesis cosmetic appearance. Level of limb amputation was considered relevant for prosthesis rejection only for the upper limb. Children fitted with prosthesis before two years old were less likely to abandon the prosthesis, preschool children have a lower drop-out prevalence compared to adults and school-age children. Conclusions. Understating the factors for rejections is crucial for more favorable health outcomes; multiple psychological factors should be considered during the rehabilitation process of individuals with limb amputation. Rehabilitation should consider psychosocial assistance for acceptance and perception of body representation and its discrepancy with the real body.

The intra-articular synovial fluid environment in skeletally immature patients following an ACL tear is complex and remains undefined. Levels of inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines change significantly in response to trauma and collectively define the inflammatory environment. Of these factors the resolvins, with their inherent anti-inflammatory, reparative, and analgesic properties, have become prominent. This study examined the levels of resolvins and other cytokines after ACL tears in skeletally immature and adult patients in order to determine if skeletal maturity affects the inflammatory pattern. Skeletally immature and adult patients with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and meniscal tears were prospectively enrolled over a 5-month period. Synovial fluid samples were obtained before surgery quantifying Resolvin E1, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-10 by ELISA. Comparisons between skeletally immature patients and adults, the influence of meniscal tear, growth plate maturity and time from trauma were analyzed. Skeletally immature patients had significantly greater levels of Resolvin E1 and IL-10 compared with adults with an isolated anterior cruciate ligament lesion. Among the injured skeletally immature patients Resolvin E1 levels were greater in the open growth plate group compared with those with closing growth plates. Moreover, levels of Resolvin E1 and IL-10 appeared to decrease with time. Our results suggest that skeletally immature patients have a stronger activation of the Resolvin pattern compared to adult patients and that synovial fluid Resolvins could play an antinflammatory role in the knee after anterior cruciate ligament lesion and that its activity may be synergistic with that of IL-10.

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess midterm clinical outcomes in Tanner 1–2 patients with proximal anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears following arthroscopic-surgical repair using an absorbable or an all-suture anchor. Methods Fourteen (9.2 ± 2.9 years-old) of 19 skeletally immature patients reached the 2 years of clinical follow-up. Physical examinations included the Lachman test, Pivot-shift test, One-leg Hop test, Pedi-IKDC as well as Lysholm and Tegner activity scores; knee stability was measured with a KT-1000 arthrometer. Overall re-rupture rates were also evaluated in all operated patients. Results At 2 years post-surgery, the Lysholm score was 93.6 ± 4.3 points, and the Pedi-IKDC score was 95.7 ± 0.1. All patients returned to the same sport activity level as prior to ACL lesion within 8.5 ± 2.9 months, with one exception who reported a one-point reduction in their Tegner Activity score. No leg-length discrepancies or malalignments were observed. Four patients presented grade 1 Lachman scores, and of these, three presented grade 1 (glide) score at Pivot-shift; clinical stability tests were negative for all other patients. Anterior tibial shift showed a mean side-to-side difference of 2.2 mm (range 1–3 mm). The One-leg Hop test showed lower limb symmetry (99.9% ± 9.5) with the contralateral side. Overall, 4 out of 19 patients presented a re-rupture of the ACL with a median time between surgery and re-rupture of 3.9 years (range 1–7). Conclusion This surgical technique efficiently repairs proximal ACL tears, leading to a restoration of knee stability and a quick return to an active lifestyle, avoiding growth plate disruption. Level of evidence IV.

Background In children, fracture non-union is uncommon yet, curiously, non-union of distal fibula fractures are rarely reported. Historically, the most common treatment of a lateral malleolus fracture after an ankle sprain is conservative, which usually leads to fracture union. However, even in clinically stable ankles, subsequent pain arising from fracture site could suggest non-union, thereby necessitating reexamination and possible secondary treatment. Case presentation We report the case of an 8-year-old girl with an epiphyseal distal fibula fracture complicated with a symptomatic non-union associated with the chondral flap of the talar dome after conservative treatment. Surgical excision of the fragment and chondroplasty was performed and resulted in an excellent clinical outcome. Conclusion This case report illustrates the necessity of particularly meticulous evaluation of pediatric post-traumatic ankle pain. Surgical treatment as well as talar chondral evaluation should be taken into consideration in the treatment of pediatric distal fibular nonunion.

The specific etiology of meniscal tears, including the mechanism of lesion, location, and orientation, is considered for its contribution to subsequent joint cytokine responsiveness, healing outcomes, and by extension, appropriate lesion-specific surgical remediation. Meniscal repair is desirable to reduce the probability of development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) which is strongly influenced by the coordinate generation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by the injured cartilage. We now present biochemical data on variation in cytokine levels arising from two particular meniscal tears: bucket-handle (BH) and posterior horn (PH) isolated meniscal tears. We selected these two groups due to the different clinical presentations. We measured the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in knee synovial fluid of 45 patients with isolated meniscal lesions (BH tear, n = 12 ; PH tear, n = 33 ). TNF-α levels were significantly ( p < 0.05 ) greater in the BH group compared with the PH group, whereas IL-1β levels were significantly greater ( p < 0.05 ) in the PH group compared with the BH group. Both BH and PH groups were consistent in presenting a positive correlation between concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1β. A fundamental difference in IL-10 responsiveness between the two groups was noted; specifically, levels of IL-10 were positively correlated with IL-6 in the BH group, whereas in the PH group, levels of IL-10 were positively correlated with IL-1β. Collectively, our data suggest a possible influence of the meniscal tear pattern to the articular cytokine responsiveness. This differential expression of inflammatory cytokines may influence the risk of developing PTOA in the long term.

Introduction: Ideal treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation remains unresolved. We evaluated ACJ reconstruction using polyester tapes and temporary Kirschner wire (KW) and presented clinical and radiological outcomes. Materials and methods: Patients were retrospectively evaluated and classified according to Rockwood classification, clinical and sportive characteristics. Constant Score (CS) and ACJ joint instability (ACJI) score were collected. Zanca’s, Alexander, axillary, standard, and stress AP views were collected. Radiographic coracoclavicular distance (CCd) of healthy and injured shoulders was measured pre-operatively, at 3months and at minimum 2-year follow-up. Heterotopic ossifications and clavicular osteolysis were evaluated. Influence of patients’ characteristics and AC joint type on clinical and radiological outcomes were determined. Results: Sixteen patients (13 type V and 3 type III ACJ dislocation) reached the end of follow-up (mean 2.4years; range 22–72months). Mean CS was 99.63 (range 96–100), while the mean ACJI score was 96.19 (range 85–100). The CCd of the treated shoulder was comparable with the healthy shoulder at 3months and at last follow-up; moreover, there was no difference in CCd scores at 3months and at 2years. CCd scores were lower in sedentary patients compared with physically active (sporty) patients. Heterotopic ossifications were observed in three patients. No osteolysis was reported. Conclusion: This technique provides good results with few complications and should be considered as an effective method to treat ACJ acute dislocation. CCd scores correlate with overuse factors but not with other clinical scores.

AIM To compare rotating versus fixed-bearing Press-Fit Condylar (PFC) Sigma posterior stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with the new “J curve” femoral design in terms of clinical outcomes and anterior knee pain. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 39 patients who underwent primary total knee replacement surgery for knee osteoarthritis using the PFC Sigma PS TKA with either fixed (FP group, 20 cases) or rotating platform (RP group, 19 cases) treated between 2009 and 2013 by the same surgeon. The two groups were homogeneous for age, gender, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, pre-operative clinical and functional scores, and prosthetic alignment at two years after surgery. We analyzed clinical outcomes score at two years follow-up using Knee Society Score (KSS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Knee Performance Score, Short Form (SF) 36, and anterior knee pain assessed by the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) patellar score. RESULTS No differences were found in KSS, Knee Performance Score, and SF-36 outcome scores. A statistically significant difference was found in the HSS Patella score objective (FP: 22.36; RP: 28.75; P < 0.05), HSS Patella score total (FP: 73.68; RP: 86.50; P < 0.05), and KOOS symptoms (FP: 73.49; RP: 86.44; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Rotating platform in PFC Sigma PS TKA appears to reduce the short-term incidence of anterior knee pain compared to the fixed platform.

Marcello Malpighi (1628-1694), who is referred to as the father of microscopical anatomy, histology, physiology and embryology was an Italian biologist and physician, well known for his discoveries on microscopical anatomy of kidney, circulating and lymphatic systems. As well as being a brilliant anatomist, Malpighi was also a valued physician so far as to became the personal physician of Pope Innocent XII (1615-1700). On 23 August 1691, one month after his election, the Pope fell to the ground hitting his left hip. Malpighi, as his personal physician, was immediately called and diagnosed a hip fracture. At that time fractures were generally treated by surgeons, barbers and sawbones, while physicians were mainly concerned with internal diseases. Despite that, Marcello Malpighi cured Pope Innocent XII's hip fracture by applying some modern traumatologic concepts. This article analyses how Malpighi treated this hip fracture, comparing it with the current approach.

Background: The aim of the study was to compare the mini-open to the classic open repair techniques for Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated at a minimum of 2 years follow-up 32 subcutaneous Achilles tendon ruptures; 17 underwent mini-open surgery (Group A) and 15 the open technique (Group B). Results: No difference in Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score and in modified Leppillahti score was observed. With respect to the contralateral side the width of the operated Achilles tendon was 4.07 mm thicker in Group A and 7.67 mm in Group B (p