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The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of different exercises on the development of tennis players' agility. The electronic database PubMed was used to search and collect relevant studies in the field of agility in tennis. This study was conducted based on the PRISMA statement. A total of 361 participants were included in this study. Twelve studies met the criteria in order to be included in this study. The results showed that the effect was statistically significant after each exercise program (high-intensity interval training, court tennis training, neuromuscular warm-up, sport-specific training, plyometric training, neuromuscular and performance training). The exercise programs lasted from 5 - 12 weeks with a weekly frequency of three times for 45 to 90 minutes. The results, obtained in this way, indicate a sensitive period for the development of agility in this age group, i.e. junior tennis players. The analyzed areas of agility assessment, frontal and lateral agility observed on the basis of agility assessment tests, were singled out.

Background/Aim. Cephalomedullary and extramedullary methods are used for the internal fixation of trochanteric fractures. The usage of the third generation Gamma Nail (GN) is a gold standard in this kind of treatments. Self-dynamisable Internal Fixator (SIF) is an extramedullary implant for trochanteric fractures’ treatment. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods regarding operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time. Methods. A total of 89 patients with a surgical treatment of a trochanteric fracture were included in this study. There were two groups of patients – GN group (43 patients) and SIF group (46 patients). Results. Average operation times were 67.5 min (GN group) and 56.0 min (SIF group). Average intraoperative fluoroscopy times were 84.8 s (GN group) and 36.7 s (SIF group). The difference between the groups was statistically significant for both of the given parameters (p < 0.05). The correlation between operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time was confirmed in the SIF group (p < 0.05; r = 0.405), while it was not confirmed in the GN group (p > 0.05). There was a higher variability in the GN method than in the SIF method regarding the duration and type of repeated surgical maneuvers followed by X-ray checks. Conclusion. The number of planned surgical interventions per day could depend on the type of trochanteric fracture internal fixation (intramedullary or extramedullary). Certain additional analyses including radiation dose assessment are desirable to clarify if shorter intraoperative fluoroscopy time in the SIF method can have the influence regarding intraoperative X-ray protection clothing. If there is the need to activate dynamization in long femoral axis after initial static fixation in that axis, the SIF method provides its spontaneous activation several weeks after the surgery without the need neither for additional surgery nor for additional intraoperative fluoroscopy

Introduction/Objective. Angular stability and dynamic fixation are key factors to successful healing of femoral neck fractures. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of internal fixation of femoral neck fractures with two parallel self-tapping antirotation screws (SAF) compared to standard, three cannulated cancellous screws (CCS) fixation. Methods. In total 100 fractures were retrospectively analyzed, divided in two groups in which two SAF screws were used in parallel (n = 50) or three standard screws in an inverted triangle configuration (n = 50). The groups were compared with operation time, time of consolidation, femoral neck shortening, Harris hip score and reoperation rates. Results. SAF parallel fixation group of patients achieved consolidation rate of 86% compared to 74% in CCS fixation group, without statistically significant difference between the examined groups (p > 0,05). Dynamization of implants was significantly positively correlated with the fracture healing time in both examined groups (SAF: r = 0.324, p = 0.025; CCS: r = 0.572, p = 0.001), with significantly shorter healing time in SAF patients – on average 15 weeks (15.02 ± 1.44) in relation to the CCS group of patients – 19 weeks (19.81 ± 2.94) (χ2/z = 7.048, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the Harris hip score and reoperation rate among the study groups (χ2 = 2.44, p = 0.487; χ2 = 0.500, p = 0.696). Conclusion. Our results suggested that dual parallel fixation is simpler, less invasive and it demands less performance time. It is not inferior to fixation with three screws, from the point of biomechanics, possible complications, healing and functional recovery.

Introduction/Objective. There are extramedullary and intramedullary methods of trochanteric fractures’ internal fixation with implants having a lag screw. The objective of this study was to examine the difference in impact of these fixation types on final hip function and health-related quality of life. Method. There were 75 patients treated for a trochanteric fracture, using self-dynamisable internal fixator (SIF group), as an extramedullary method, or gamma nail (GN group), as an intramedullary method. These patients were called for the evaluation of Harris Hip Score (HHS) and SF-12 questionnaire at least two years after surgery. The SF-12 questionnaire has dual expression – physical component score (PCS) and mental component score (MCS). Results. There were no significant differences between the SIF group and the GN group regarding HHS, PCS, and MCS. Positive correlation was confirmed between HHS, PCS, and MCS, with the strongest relation between HHS and PCS. Negative correlation was confirmed between age and HHS. Conclusion. There was no difference in final hip function and health-related quality of life between SIF and GN methods in trochanteric fractures treatment (p > 0.05). These parameters of outcome were confirmed to have positive interrelation (p < 0.05). Both submuscular presence of extramedullary implant with dimensions of SIF and the need for bone reaming in cephalomedullary fixation were considered not to have significant impact in HHS and SF-12 scores after trochanteric fractures treatment by internal fixation. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III41017: Virtual human osteoarticular system and its application in preclinical and clinical practice]

Introduction/Objective. Fracture malunion is still a major problem in orthopaedic practice. The external fixation of tibial fracture malunion has become popular in recent years. The objective of this work was to evaluate clinical results in tibial shaft malunion treatment based on unilateral external fixation method. Methods. The patients with tibial shaft malunion have surgically been treated by unilateral Mitkovic external fixation system. Malunion deformities were corrected by “one stage” technique, using Mitkovic-CD type external fixator, or gradually, using Mitković-V type external fixator. This retrospective study included 15 patients with tibial shaft angular malunion. The main type of malunion was valgus deformity, in 10 patients, and varus deformity, in five patients. Results. The mean healing time was 89.66 days (range 50–125). There were no complications in the present study. The follow-up time after surgery was three years. Final functional results were excellent in 13 cases and good in two cases. Conclusion. This unilateral external fixator system was successfully used in the treatment of tibial shaft malunion, with good results and low complications rate. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III41017: Virtual human osteoarticular system and its application in preclinical and clinical practice]

Acetabular fractures represent severe injuries that mostly occur in car accidents, or after falling from greater heights, most often in the working male population. Acetabular fractures are present in our clinical practice and their treatment requires good education and surgical training. Surgical experience is one of the prerequisites for achieving good treatment results, since these fractures are accompanied by numerous complications. In order to acquire knowledge and skills in this field of surgery, it is necessary to have a national center for education at one of the medical faculties in Serbia. All dislocated acetabular fractures (≥ 2 mm) require early surgery, anatomical reduction, and stable internal fixation of acetabular fracture. Acetabular fracture-dislocation requires urgent reduction of the dislocated femoral head. The anatomic reduction of the fracture is related to the time of definitive bone fixation of the fracture. Fourteen days after the fracture, anatomic reduction is more difficult to achieve. In addition to the factors that positively affect the results of treatment, there are negative factors as well, which result in poor outcomes. They are directly correlated to the initial trauma that occurs at the time of injury. Fracture comminution, large dislocation (> 20 mm), injury of the femoral head, posterior dislocation of the hip, impaction, traumatic or iatrogenic sciatic nerve palsy – these are all factors that negatively affect the outcome and are responsible for complications, as opposed to positive factors.

Introduction. Femoroacetabular impingement is the result of the pathological conditions in the osseous acetabulum and/or the proximal femur. One of its causes is a non-anatomically healed femoral neck fracture. Case report. A male, aged 51, with a subcapital left femoral neck fracture was treated conservatively. The fracture healed 9 months later and although the patient was walking on crutches he suffered from pain in the left groin. The X-ray images showed the valgus and the retroposition of the left femoral head. The patient was operated on and intraoperatively the thickness and a bone prominence in the anterosuperior femoral neck area in the line of the previous fracture were found, which was pressing and spreading beneath the acetabular labrum, thus squeezing the acetabular cartilage. The labrum lesion which was found was the result of the mechanical pressure of the existing femoral neck deformity during the hip movements. Irretrievably damaged part of the labrum was resected and the anterosuperior femoral headneck osteochondroplasty was done. One year after the surgery, the patient had no pain, he walked without limping, the impingement test was negative, the radiological parameters were adjusted and there were no signs of the avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Conclusion. The femoral neck fracture should be treated adequately with the full anatomical position and the proper internal fixation. If the deformity occurs as the result of a treatment, it should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the osteoarthritis of the hip.

Introduction/Objective. Subtrochanteric fractures are unstable, tending to a varus, antecurvatum, and shortening deformity. The aim of this paper was to compare operation time and fluoroscopy time between different internal fixation methods in the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. Method. The prospective study of the group of 27 patients with a subtrochanteric fracture treated by the SIF (selfdynamisable internal fixator with a trochanteric unit) method had been done. Operation time and fluoroscopy time values from this group were compared to the same parameters data from the literature for intramedullary (IM) nails, proximal femur locking plates (PF-LCP), dynamic condylar screws (DCS), and the 95°-angled blade plate. Results. In the SIF group, operation time was 62.2 (25–140) minutes and fluoroscopy time was 43 (20–95) s. Average operation time from the literature data was: 102.1 (43–181) minutes for IM nail, 94.2 (75–129) minutes for PF-LCP, 105.3 (70–166) minutes for DCS and 221.5 (171–272) minutes for blade plate. Average fluoroscopy time from the literature data was: 109.6 (34–250) seconds for IM nail, 102.3 (47–180) seconds for PF-LCP, 238 seconds for DCS. Operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time were higher in IM nail, PF-LCP, DCS and blade plate comparing to SIF method (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The above mentioned difference could be explained by a degree of required accuracy in the initial operative technique maneuvers, by used number of screws and by the type of the fracture reduction performance in different fixation methods. Operation time during IM nailing of subtrochanteric fractures sometimes can be shorter than average operation time in SIF method, what could be explained by the skill of the surgeon to perform as fast closed reduction for insertion of guide wire. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III41017: Virtual human osteoarticular system and its application in preclinical and clinical practice]

Background/Aim. Fitmore® hip stem belongs to the group of short stem prostheses with the metaphysar stabilization, with its shape and form that protects the bone mass in the greater trochanter region and the distal part of the femur. The aim of this paper was to present the early postoperative results in patients with implanted Fitmore® hip stem and point out some of the advantages. Methods. A series of 10 patients with implanted Fitmore® hip stem, was included in this study. The average age of the patients was 54.5 (48–65) years. There were 5 women and 5 men. The total monitoring time was 16 months. To rate the condition of the hip joint we used The Western Ontario and Mc Master Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score. We also monitored the degree of hip pain, hip flexion, heterotopic ossification and indentation in the stem of the prosthesis. Results. After 12 months of monitoring 9 (90%) of the patients had no pain in the thigh region, and only 1 (10%) experienced mild pain. The hip flexion rose from the average 89° to postoperative 114°. WOMAC score rose as well, from 49 to 94 average points. Indentation in the stem was registered 3 months after the operation in 2 (20%) of the patients – in one of the patients the indentation was 3 mm and in the other patient 5 mm. After the 16-month monitoring, the results were excellent. The monitoring period was short though it should be continued and the results should be presented after 5 and then after 10 years. Conclusion. Early results of the implantation Fitmore stem showed good bone ingrowth with excellent functional result.

Background/Aim. Progressive erosive changes in cartilage and bone in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) ultimately lead to joint deformities and disability which may be early, severe and permanent. Consequently, there is the reduction of functional ability and changes in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of disease activity on functional status of patients with RA. Methods. A prospective investigation included 74 patients with RA who were treated in the Rheumatology Clinic of the “Niška Banja” Institute. Assessment of functional status (capacity) was measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) with the values from 0 to 3 that patients fill out on their own. The patients were then divided into three groups: the group I with the HAQ values from 0.125 to 1.000, the group II with the values from 1.125 to 2.000 and the group III with the values from 2.125 to 3.000. Disease activity was measured by Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The assessment also included sedimentation rate (SE) influence, IgM rheumatoid factor (RF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) positivity, age, and disease duration. Results. The patients with the most severe functional damage estimated by the HAQ - the group III, had the highest values of DAS28 SE (7.4 ± 0.8) compared to the group II (6.5 ± 1.2) and the group I (3.4 ± 1.2). The group III also showed the highest values of DAS28 CRP (7.1 ± 0.8) compared to the group II (6.7 ± 0.8) and the group I (3.6 ± 0.4). Compared with the patients with small and moderate functional damage, the patients in the group III had positive IgM RF and CRP as well as higher SE values more frequently and the difference was statistically significant. In the univariate logistic model, the tested parameters of DAS28 SE, DAS 28 CRP, SE, RF and CRP represent significant predictors of functional disability. The most significant factors that increase the odds of patient having the most severe functional damage include DAS28 SE which increases the odds by 5.5 times (OR = 5.450, 95% CI = 3.211-7.690, p = 0.001), DAS28 CRP by 5.1 times (OR = 5.111, 95% CI = 2.123-10.636, p < 0.01), and the presence of increased CRP (OR = 5.219, 95% CI = 1.305-18.231, p = 0.019) by 5.2 times. Conclusion. Functional status evaluated by the HAQ is a standard for assessment of RA due to its convenience and good correlation with parameters of disease activity. The most significant factors that increase the odds that the patient has the greatest functional damage are DAS28 SE, DAS28 CRP and the presence of CRP.

The objective of this research was to analyze and elucidate the sagittal spinal posture status in older elementary school children, considering their gender and grade differences. The study involved 484 school children (252 males and 232 females) from grades V to VIII, assessed for sagittal spinal posture using the Formetric 4D System. The analysis, employing the Chi-squared test of independence along with the Z-test, did not reveal significant grade-related differences (p < 0.52) in the incidence of normal sagittal alignment or diagnosed outliers. However, within grade levels, no significant difference was observed for male participants (p < 0.80), while a significant difference was identified for females (p < 0.01). Examining gender differences across grades, a disparity was noted only among seventh graders concerning normal spine alignment and outlier existence (p < 0.01), favoring male participants. Regardless of the grade, a significant gender difference emerged in the location of diagnosed outliers: kyphosis (M = 108 vs. F = 72), lordosis (M = 5 vs. F = 14), kypholordosis (M = 18 vs. F = 66), and flatback outlier of the lumbar spine (M = 27 vs. F = 11). These findings suggest potential adjustments to the curriculum and highlight the need to tailor physical education instruction based on this study's outcomes. Consequently, these results imply the importance of a differentiated approach in preventing sagittal plane outliers of the spine in adolescent children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper posture, characterized by the appropriate alignment of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments of the spine, enables these regions to maintain their normal curvature. Body composition is recognized as one of the factors that can influence overall postural alignment of the spine. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of the parameters of body composition on the prevalence of postural disorders in the sagittal plane. The cross-sectional study was conducted on 152 children of both genders (78 boys), at a mean age of 11 years ± 6 months. In order to evaluate postural disorders, the Formetric 4D System, a tool manufactured by Diers, Schlangenbad, Germany was used. Based on its output data, the following variables were obtained: hyperkyphosis, hyperlordosis, kypholordosis, flatback, and normal alignment of the body in the sagittal plane. The evaluation of body composition parameters was conducted using the InBody 770 device. To determine how body composition influences the postural status of the spinal column, a discriminant analysis was employed. The results showed that approximately 65.8% of children exhibit various types of postural disorders when assessing the alignment of the spine in the sagittal plane. The most prevalent disorder observed was hyperkyphosis, affecting 34.2% of the subjects, followed by kypholordosis at 16.4%. Moreover, the results demonstrated that body composition significantly influences body posture (p = 0.004). An increase in fat mass corresponds to a deviation from normal body posture, whereas an increase in the percentage of skeletal muscle mass and fat-free mass is associated with a reduction in postural abnormalities in the sagittal plane. Considering the results, it is clear that body composition parameters serve as more reliable predictors of the influence on body posture compared to simply calculating the body mass index. Furthermore, it can be concluded that there are consistent patterns of influence by specific body composition parameters, including fat mass, percentage of skeletal muscle, and fat-free mass, on body posture among children from various climates. These results underscore the significance of implementing strength exercises in children, particularly during periods of rapid growth and development, as a means of preventing and correcting postural disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The explosive power of the lower extremities is a very important feature in many sports activities that require the usage of maximum muscle strength, and is most often manifested in vertical jumps. During the performance of vertical jumps, leg muscles, the so-called extensors, are activated, and play a role in maintaining the proper arch of the foot. In this regard, the aim of this study is to determine the differences in the explosive leg power among the young school-age male children, with or without flat feet condition. The sample consisted of 48 students with an average age of 11. The following tests are used for the evaluation of explosive leg power: squat-jumps, squat-jumps with preparation, squat-jumps with preparation and arm swing. The plantography was used to evaluate the collapse of the arch, with the interpretation of the plantographic patterns using the method devised by Russian authors. The applied Ttest results have shown that, statistically, students with flat feet have significantly lower results on all three tests; in other words, they scored lower values for the explosive power of the leg muscles. Considering the results of various studies that support the confirmation and the rejection of the claims according to which a normal arched foot has an impact on explosive leg power, it could be concluded that new research needs to be conducted in which the participants should be equalized in certain morphological parameters such as height and body weight. In addition, participants should be equalized in active participation in sports as one of the possible factors affecting the activation, as well as muscle strength, when performing tests for the assessment of explosive leg power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of candidates for total hip replacement (THR) is steadily increasing. Judging by the clinical results and implant longevity, THR is one of the most common and most successful orthopedic interventions of all times. Material, design, surgical techniques and subsequent rehabilitation continue to evolve. Choice of the prosthesis and fixation technique depends on the patients' bone structure and joint stability and their individual characteristics, such as age, weight and level of activity. Rehabilitation after THR is as important as the surgery. Rehabilitation protocols vary with the type of endoprosthesis. There is some controversial evidence about the differences in the surgical approach, the role of the preoperative education and exercises, as well as the implementation of the most efficient rehabilitation protocol. Despite many uncertainties and dilemmas, most studies have shown that majority of patients are satisfied with their arthroplasty results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Femoral fractures, after hip arthroplasty (Periprosthetic fractures), may impose an immense problem in the treatment and recovery of such patients. The treatment is very difficult because there is not any universal treatment method. In the present study, the patients with femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty are presented, treated at the Clinic of Orthopedics of the Clinical Center Nis. Vancouver Classification System was used. The fractures have been fixed by cerclage wire, Muller's plates and Mitkovic's selfdynamizing Internal Fixator. The authors present 37 patients with femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty. The average age is 67.3 years (26 women, 11 men). Type A fracture was found in 8 patients, type B in 23 patients and type C in 6 patients. The femoral fracture occurred during the period from 2 months up to 4 years after the primary arthroplasty. Patients were followed 1-5 years after the surgery. All patients were mobile early and able to walk with crutches. The signs of fracture consolidation and healing appeared 3- 5 months after the operation. In 5 cases there was no fracture consolidation up to 4 years. There were no mechanical complications. Periprosthetic femoral fractures are considered severe complications, particularly among the elderly. Mitkovic's dynamisable Internal Fixator represents an implant which enables fixation of all types of periprosthetic fractures, without impairing periosteal vascularisation, the fixation being at the same time less invasive compared to other implants. In addition, the implant enables dynamic fixation of a fracture, which reduces the risk of mechanical complications related to fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Chirurgica Iugoslavica is the property of Association of Yugoslav Surgeons and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Chirurgica Iugoslavica is the property of Association of Yugoslav Surgeons and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by synovial inflammation and destruction of joint cartilage and bone. Different cytokines play important role in the processes that cause articular destruction and extra-articular manifestations in RA. The contribution of cytokines representing the Th1 (INF-γ), Th2 (IL-4) and IL-17A to the pathogenesis of early RA and bone mineral density (BMD) loss in still poorly understood. Serum samples of 38 early RA patients were evaluated for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) and for the tested cytokines (IL-17A, IL-4 and INF-γ). BMD was evaluated by dualenergyX-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Disease activity score (DAS28) calculation was assessed for all patients. Control serum samples were obtained from 34 healthy volunteers. The levels of tested cytokines were significantly higher (IL-17A, p