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Periprosthetic femoral re-fractures (PFRFs) represent an emerging challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, since their incidence is growing in the last years, but very few experiences about their management have been currently published. The present study aims to (1) introduce, for the first time, an etiologic classification for PRFRs and (2) to provide surgical and pharmacological tips for the correct management of these injuries. Periprosthetic femoral re-fractures (PFRFs) could be classified into traumatic-PFRFs (T-PFRFs) and pathological-PFRFs (P-PFRFs). T-PFRFs, i.e. the "true" periprosthetic re-fractures, present as new fracture lines occurring proximally or distally to a previous periprosthetic fracture, that has correctly healed. They are generally unpredictable injuries but, in selected cases, it is possible to predict them by analyzing the construct used in the treatment of the previous periprosthetic fracture. P-PFRFs, on the other hand, define re-fractures occurring on a previous periprosthetic non-union or delayed union: the new fracture line appears in the same district of the old one. According to the etiologic factors influencing the P-PFRFs pathogenesis, it is possible to define re-fractures caused by mechanical failures, biological failures, septic failures and multifactorial failures, i.e., a combination of the previously mentioned concerns. A successful postoperative outcome, following the surgical management of PFRFs, requires the correct identification of all the underlying causes, which should be promptly and appropriately managed.

Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are uncommon injuries representing 6% of distal humeral fractures. There is no univocal consensus about the correct management of this type of fracture. A national survey was conducted to gain more insight into the current classification, diagnosis and treatment of coronal shear fractures in Italy.A postal survey was sent to all AO Italian members including residency orthopaedic surgeons. The survey consisted of general questions about personal experience in the management of these fractures: types of classification systems used, surgical approaches, treatment options and rehabilitation programs.114 orthopaedic surgeons answered a 13-items questionnaire. The most used classification system was AO/OTA (72,8%). Independent screws and if necessary plates were the most answered regarding surgical treatment (81,6%). The most encountered post-surgical complication was stiffening of the elbow (81,6%).An algorithm of treatment has been proposed. To better classify coronal shear fractures, the authors recommended the integration of two classification systems: AO and Dubberley classifications. In the case of posterior wall comminution, a Kocher extensile approach is recommended, otherwise, if a posterior wall is intact, Kocher or Kaplan approach can be used. The posterior transolecranic approach can be reserved to Dubberley type III or AO 13B3.3. The best treatment choice is represented by independent screws and plates placed according to fracture patterns while arthroplasty is indicated when a stable ORIF is not possible. Mobilization is postponed for about 2 weeks.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of arthroplasty registries, therefore, in our country, the Italian Arthroplasty Registry (RIAP), was issued by the National Law No. 221/2012. In the last decade, however, some European countries -namely Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Germany (in development)- have introduced another nationwide orthopaedic registry than arthroplasty registers: the fracture registry. The development of this new tool aims to improve quality and safety in fracture management, thus trying to provide a better postoperative quality of life in trauma patients. Based on these findings, the AO-Trauma Italy Council encouraged the development of a national fracture registry in Italy. The present study aims to (1) provide an overview of the fracture registries in Europe and (2) to develop, for the first time, a pilot Italian Fracture Registry (RIFra). Thirteen AO-Trauma Italy members, chairmen of Level-I orthopaedic and trauma centres, diffused throughout Italy, were involved in the RIFra project. The RIFra form, developed between November 2019 and March 2020, consists of 5 main sections, namely: epidemiologic data, previous surgical procedure (if any), patient and fracture features, surgical procedure, surgical implant details. This study constitutes the first step to start, in future years, the bureaucratic procedure leading to the final establishment of a RIAP-like fracture registry in Italy.

Background: The identification of synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers that could anticipate the diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA) is gaining increasing importance in orthopaedic clinical practice. This controlled trial aims to assess the differences between the SF proteome of patients affected by severe OA undergoing Total Knee Replacement (TKR) compared to control subjects (i.e., subjects younger than 35, undergoing knee arthroscopy for acute meniscus injury). Methods: The synovial samples were collected from patients with Kellgren Lawrence grade 3 and 4 knee osteoarthritis undergoing THR (study group) and young patients with meniscal tears and no OA signs undergoing arthroscopic surgery (control group). The samples were processed and analyzed following the protocol defined in our previous study. All of the patients underwent clinical evaluation using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee evaluation (main outcome), Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSS), Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. The drugs’ assumptions and comorbidities were recorded. All patients underwent preoperative serial blood tests, including complete blood count and C-Reactive Protein (CRP). Results: The synovial samples’ analysis showed a significantly different fibrinogen beta chain (FBG) and alpha-enolase 1 (ENO1) concentration in OA compared to the control samples. A significant correlation between clinical scores, FBG, and ENO1 concentration was observed in osteoarthritic patients. Conclusions: Synovial fluid FBG and ENO1 concentrations are significantly different in patients affected by knee OA compared with non-OA subjects.

The management of idiopathic scoliosis (IS) in skeletally immature patients should aim at three-dimensional deformity correction, without compromising spinal and chest growth. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the first instrumentation system for anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT), under a Humanitarian Device Exception, for skeletally immature patients with curves having a Cobb angle between 35° and 65°.To summarize current evidence about the efficacy and safety of AVBT in the management of IS in skeletally immature patients.From January 2014 to January 2021, Ovid Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated and relevant data were extracted.Seven clinical trials recruiting 163 patients were included in the present review. Five studies out of seven were classified as high quality, whereas the remaining two studies were classified as moderate quality. A total of 151 of 163 AVBT procedures were performed in the thoracic spine, and the remaining 12 tethering in the lumbar spine. Only 117 of 163 (71.8%) patients had a nonprogressive curve at skeletal maturity. Twenty-three of 163 (14.11%) patients required unplanned revision surgery within the follow-up period. Conversion to posterior spinal fusion (PSF) was performed in 18 of 163 (11%) patients.AVBT is a promising growth-friendly technique for treatment of IS in growing patients. However, it has moderate success and perioperative complications, revision and conversion to PSF.

BACKGROUND Rotator cuff (RC) tears are one of the most frequent pathologies within the shoulder girdle. Hand dominance and older age are associated with RC tears. Two different surgical procedures, the mini-open (MO) and all-arthroscopic (AA) approach, represented the standard of treatment. AIM To compare the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of two surgical techniques (AA vs MO procedure) performed to address the painful shoulder syndrome with partial or total supraspinatus tendon tear. METHODS Eighty-eight participants, 50 following RC repair with AA and 38 with MO approach, were recruited in the present cross-sectional case-control study (ORTHO-SHOULDER, Prot. 0054602). All patients underwent postoperative clinical evaluation for pain (Visual analogic scale), impairment, and disability (disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand) and limitation in daily activity (Constant-Murley score). Patients’ shoulder mobility was also assessed in our Laboratory of Functional Movement through a wearable inertial sensor and surface electromyography to monitor kinematics and muscle activity during the movement on the frontal (abduction/adduction) and sagittal (flexion-extension) planes. RESULTS No statistically significant differences between the two procedures were observed in either main clinical score or range of motion. A significant increase in velocity during the movement execution and a higher contribution of upper trapezius muscles were found in the AA group compared with MO patients. CONCLUSION In terms of clinical scores, our findings were in line with previous results. However, the use of technology-based assessment of shoulder mobility has revealed significant differences between the two techniques in terms of mean velocity and pattern of muscle activation.

Purpose: In orthopedics and traumatology, as a direct consequence of the COVID-19 first wave, there was a massive reorganization and a stop to all elective activities, which were postponed. In this study, we aimed to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic surgery in Apulia during the second wave, from March to June 2021 (when Apulia was under social distancing restrictions), and during the third wave, from September to December 2021 (when Apulia was under no restrictions). We compared these months to the same periods in 2019 for an evaluation of the surgical decrease during the pandemic period. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of major orthopedic procedures, day-surgery procedures and urgent procedures (trauma and non-traumatic amputation) performed during the second and third waves of the pandemic in our clinic, and we compared these data with the same procedures performed in the corresponding periods of 2019, before the pandemic. Results: Surgical activity was significantly decreased during both periods; the only increase in surgical activity in 2021 compared to 2019 was in total hip, knee and shoulder arthroplasty, with a surge of +7.69% registered in the period September–December 2021. Conclusions: Longer waiting lists and limited healthcare resources were the big challenges for the orthopedic community, and they still represent a substantial issue to confront today.

Chronic low back pain (LBP) can be caused by sacroiliac joint (SIJ) disease. Many conditions could cause SIJ dysfunction. The lateral branches of the L4-S3 dorsal rami are responsible for the primary innervation of the posterior SI joint. Radiofrequency (RF) denervation represent an emerging promising treatment for refractory sacroiliac joint pain. There are different types of RF denervation such as thermal or cooled. Use of irrigation cooled electrodes allows targeted tissues to reach the neuroablative temperatures slowly, preventing collateral damage of adjacent tissue.We conducted electronic database (PubMed, Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar) research (time frame: January 1We identified nine studies, with a total of 276 patients affected by sacroiliac joint pain and treated with radiofrequency. The analysis revealed a small and non-significant difference in pain reduction and an improvement in quality of life in RFT subgroup (Pain measured in Visual Analogic Scale: RFT subgroups SMD=-3.643 (95% CI -4.478, -2.807), RFC subgroup SMD=-3.285 (95% CI -4.428, -2.141), P=0.587; Quality of Life measured in Oswestry Disability Index: RFT subgroup SMD=-35.969 (95% CI -53.993%, -17.945%), RFC subgroup SMD=-20.589% (95% CI -33.424%. -7.754%), P=0.123). Publication bias was found in quality-of-life assessment due to the low number and high heterogeneity of studies. Two techniques showed no major complications.Current evidence indicates no statistical difference between two techniques examined. The literature is currently lacking, and well-constructed randomized clinical trials are necessary to evaluate this deficient aspect.

Modular neck (MN) implants can restore the anatomy, especially in deformed hips such as sequelae of development dysplasia. Early designs for MN implants had problems with neck fractures and adverse local tissue, so their use was restricted to limited indications. Results of the latest generation of MN prostheses seem to demonstrate that these problems have been at least mitigated. Given the results of the studies presented in this review, surgeons might consider MN total hip arthroplasty (THA) for a narrower patient selection when a complex reconstruction is required. Long MN THA should be avoided in case of body mass index > 30, and should be used with extreme caution in association with high offset femoral necks with long or extra-long heads. Cr-Co necks should be abandoned, in favour of a titanium alloy connection. Restoring the correct anatomic femoral offset remains a challenge in THA surgeries. MN implants have been introduced to try to solve this problem. The MN design allows surgeons to choose the appropriate degree and length of the neck for desired stability and range of motion. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:751-758. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200064

The aim of study was to evaluate the efficacy of blood loss prevention with Tranexamic acid in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The Authors defined a new protocol that foresees the use of Tranexamic acid both pre-intra and post-operatively. Seventy patients indicated for TKA were enrolled. Thirty-five patients (control group) followed standard protocol without Tranexamic acid and the other 35 patients (study group) followed standard protocol with Tranexamic acid. We analyzed the values of hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT) and red blood cells (RBCs) both pre-operatively (T0) and post-operatively: immediately after surgery (T1), at one day (T2) and three days post-op (T3). We observed statistical differences at T0 and T3 regarding the Hb, HT and RBCs value between the two groups. Moreover, 11.4% in the study and 28.5% in the control group required blood transfusion. No thrombotic or thrombo-embolic events were reported. We conclude that Tranexamic acid use, as in our protocol, reduces postoperative bleeding in primary knee arthroplasty, with the absence of thrombo-embolic events.

BackgroundTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is currently the best surgical option for hip osteoarthritis secondary to developmental hip dysplasia (DDH); it may be extremely challenging, because of the hypoplasic proximal metaphysis, pathological anteversion, and excessive cervico-diaphyseal angle of the neck at the femoral side. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the long-term survival and clinical and radiological results of Conus uncemented stems, implanted in patients affected by hip osteoarthritis with Crowe not-type IV secondary to DDH.Material and methodsWe identified 100 consecutive THAs performed for DDH in 63 women and 24 men, with an average age of 53 years in a single center. Thirteen patients underwent bilateral hip replacement. The patients’ mean body mass index was 29.8 kg/m2(range 27.1–35.6 kg/m2). The main indications for surgery were severe hip pain and considerable functional impairment: the preoperative Harris Hip Score was 29.5 on average (range 22–61). Radiologically, 8 hips were classified as Crowe I, 43 hips as Crowe II, and 49 hips as Crowe III. In all cases, we implanted the Wagner femoral cone prosthesis using the direct lateral approach; in the attempt to reestablish native hip biomechanics, 66 stems were 135° and 34 were 125°.ResultsThe mean follow-up of the study was 11.7 years (range 2.2–21.8 years). Harris Hip Score increased to a mean value of 71.5 points (range 52–93 points). Radiographic evaluation demonstrated osteointegration of the implant with stable bone growth observed at the stem–endosteum interface; signs of bone readaptation and thinning of the femoral calcar were present in nine hips. None of the patients underwent revision for septic or aseptic loosening of the stem; none sustained a periprosthetic fracture.ConclusionsThis study confirms the theoretical advantages that suggest the choice of the Wagner cone when technical difficulties during prosthetic surgery are expected owing to abnormal proximal femoral anatomy.Level of evidenceLevel IV, retrospective case study

The management of critical-sized bone and soft-tissue defects of the lower extremity poses unique challenge to reconstructive surgeons. The aim of this article is to present the authors' current orthoplastic approach for the management of extended (more than 6 cm) osteocutaneous defects of the lower extremity, based on a sequential combination of two stages: free flap for soft-tissue coverage and the Masquelet technique (first step) followed by reamer-irrigator-aspirator cancellous bone graft and definitive osteosynthesis (second step). This study was a single-center observational retrospective review of prospectively collected data. Adult patients (18 years of age) with segmental bone loss of the lower extremity caused by acute trauma (Gustilo type IIIB fracture) or nonunion (septic/aseptic) who were treated with the free flap for soft-tissue coverage-Masquelet technique-reamer-irrigator-aspirator approach between January of 2017 and December of 2020 were included. Time of consolidation and early and late complications were recorded. A total of 11 patients (nine male patients and two female patients) with a mean age of 45.8 years were identified. The average bone gap length (standard deviation) was 87.3 (24.9) mm. An anterolateral thigh flap was harvested in all cases. The average duration of the first stage (i.e., time from antibiotic cement spacer placement and free flap to time of bone grafting) was 50.4 days (range, 40 to 62 days). Bone consolidation was achieved in all cases after an average period (standard deviation) of 20.4 (3.3) weeks, with acceptable functional outcomes. The free flap for soft-tissue coverage-Masquelet technique-reamer-irrigator-aspirator approach could be considered a viable option in patients with segmental critical-sized bone defects associated with a large soft-tissue deficit of the lower extremity.Therapeutic, IV.

Background: The number of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) worldwide will drastically increase in the next few decades, reaching 6.3 million by 2050. In the future, therefore, newly-qualified orthopaedic surgeons will treat this kind of injury more frequently than in past decades. This prospective observational study aims to assess whether hip hemiarthroplasty with modular neck, performed via the Hardinge approach, can be safely carried out by orthopaedic residents. Methods: Patients referred to our Level I trauma centre, between January 2016 and June 2017, with displaced intra-articular femoral fractures, were prospectively recruited. All patients underwent cemented modular bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty (Profemur Z, MicroPort Orthopedics Inc., Arlington, TN, USA) via the Hardinge approach, with the patient positioned in lateral decubitus. The surgical procedures were performed by the same surgical and anesthesiology team, under spinal anaesthesia. All patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-up up to 24 months. Complications and re-operations were recorded. Clinical evaluation was performed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire QUALEFFO-41 and EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Anteroposterior pelvis x-rays were performed preoperatively, postoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months follow-up. Results: 118 patients met the inclusion criteria (male: 50; female: 68; mean age: 74.3 years; range 65–88 years) and were included in the current study. 67 patients out of 118 (56.8%) were managed by senior orthopaedic surgeons (Group A), whereas the remaining 51 patients out of 118 (43.2%) were treated by orthopaedic residents (Group B). Hip hemiarthroplasties performed by senior surgeons showed the prevalent use of straight (short or long) necks, whereas, in surgical procedures performed by residents, there was a significantly higher use of varus/valgus, anteverted or retroverted necks. The overall complication rate was significantly higher in Group-B patients, compared with Group-A patients ( p = 0.002). The length of hospital stay and the mean clinical scores at 24 months follow-up showed no significant differences. Conclusions: Hip hemiarthroplasty with modular neck can be safely employed during the learning curve of orthopaedic residents. Great efforts, however, should be made in future to improve residents’ training in the management of FNFs.

Summary Background This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound, compared with MRI, in assessing the ATr features, to safely plan the surgical treatment. Material and methods Patients surgically managed at our Institution for ATr were prospectively recruited. All the patients underwent clinical examination, ultrasound and MRI. These examinations were performed in a blind manner by different authors, who were unaware of the results of the complementary imaging technique. Results 34 patients (32 males; 2 females; mean age: 47) were included in the present study. Both ultrasound and MRI showed no significant differences, compared with intraoperative measurement, in assessing the gap between the two stumps (MRI: p=0.13; US: p=0.26) and the distance between the ATr and the tendon calcaneal insertion (MRI: p = 0.23; US: p = 0.51) All the partial Achilles tendon ruptures intraoperatively identified, 4 out of 34 (11.76%), were correctly classified in ultrasound, whereas one ATr classified as partial on MRI appeared intraoperatively complete. Conclusions The present study shows ultrasound, when performed by an experienced sonographer, is accurate in defining the main features of acute Achilles tendon rupture. Hence, this cheap imaging technique is useful in decision making and to plan the surgical management of the tendon injury.

Background Osteoporotic acetabular fractures frequently involve the quadrilateral plate (QP), a flat and thin bone constituting the medial wall of the acetabulum. This study aims to assess the impact of the quality of osteoporotic QP fractures reduction on the patients’ functional recovery, at 24 months follow-up. Methods Patients referring with osteoporotic QP fractures to our Level I trauma centre were prospectively recruited. Inclusion criteria: patients aged 60 years old or older; osteoporosis, defined as Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) T-score ≤ − 2.5; acute acetabular fracture; anatomic or good fracture reduction according to Matta on postoperative CT. Exclusion criteria: moderate cognitive impairment (defined as Mini-Mental State Examination 3 mm) on postoperative CT. Based on this classification: patients with a poor fracture reduction were excluded from this study, patients with an anatomical reduction were recruited in Group-A and patients with a good reduction in Group-B. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiographic 24-months follow-up. Results 68 patients (males 38; females 30; mean age 68.6 years old; range 60–79) were finally included in in the study. No cases of open fractures or concomitant pelvic ring fractures were observed. Based on the post-operative CT, 39 patients showed an anatomic fracture reduction (Group-A) while the remaining 29 patients revealed a good fracture reduction (Group-B). Complication rates and mean clinical scores showed no significant differences between groups, at 24-months follow-up. Conclusions In this study, the functional recovery at 24 months follow-up showed no significant differences in elderly patients with QP fracture undergoing anatomical reconstruction (displacement 0–1 mm) compared to patients receiving a good QP fracture reconstruction (displacement ≤ 3 mm).

Background Nonunion is a quite common complication of open tibial shaft fractures. This prospective case series investigates the use of the gentamicin-coated titanium intramedullary tibial nail, in association with the RIA system, in patients with tibial exposed nonunions. Methods Between January 2015 and January 2018, patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. Inclusion criteria: patients aged 18 or more; non-union after an open tibial shaft fracture; previous treatment with a circular external fixator. Exclusion criteria: a known allergy to aminoglycosides; pin tract infections; persistent soft-tissues damage; patients pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant during the study; history of malignant disease; a life expectancy of fewer than three months; medical illness or cognitive disorders precluding participation in the follow-up examination. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up at one-, three-, six- and twelve-months post-operatively. Clinical evaluation was performed using the following validated scores: Euro-Quality 5 D (EQ-5D); American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Results Seventeen patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria (male: 11; female: 6; mean age: 41.12 ± 11.4). Fracture healing was observed in all the patients; the mean time needed to obtain the fracture healing was 7.18 months. A significant improvement of the quality of life, evaluated with the EQ-5D, and of the mean VAS for pain was observed from the three-months follow-up. The mean AOFAS score showed a significant increase at six-months follow-up. Conclusions The use of gentamicin-coated nails in association with the RIA system demonstrated a safe and effective treatment of tibial non-unions.

Background: From February 21, the day of hospitalisation in ICU of the first diagnosed case of Covid-19, the social situation and the hospitals’ organisation throughout Italy dramatically changed. Methods: The CIO (Club Italiano dell’Osteosintesi) is an Italian society devoted to the study of traumatology that counts members spread in public and private hospitals throughout the country. Fifteen members of the CIO, Chairmen of 15 Orthopaedic and Trauma Units of level 1 or 2 trauma centres in Italy, have been involved in the study. They were asked to record data about surgical, outpatients clinics and ER activity from the 23rd of February to the 4th of April 2020. The data collected were compared with the data of the same timeframe of the previous year (2019). Results: Comparing with last year, overall outpatient activity reduced up to 75%, overall Emergency Room (ER) trauma consultations up to 71%, elective surgical activity reduced up to 100% within two weeks and trauma surgery excluding femoral neck fractures up to 50%. The surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures showed a stable reduction from 15 to 20% without a significant variation during the timeframe. Conclusions: Covid-19 outbreak showed a tremendous impact on all orthopaedic trauma activities throughout the country except for the surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures, which, although reduced, did not change in percentage within the analysed timeframe.

Ankle fractures or fracture-dislocations account for about 4-5% of all body fractures, with approximately 120-180/100,000 affected persons/year. Tibial pilon fractures are relatively infrequent, accounting for 5–7% of all fractures of the tibia. This review aims to summarize the current evidence on malunions and nonunions following tibial malleolar and tibial plafond fractures and to give some tips to avoid such complications. Malunion and nonunion following tibial malleolar and plafond fractures are quite rare but dreadful complications. Accurate evaluation of comorbidities and optimization of the patient’s health should be done before surgery. Multiple recent retrospective studies have shown that ankle/ tibial plafond fractures treated within 72 h of surgery have comparable outcomes to staged fixation, the two-stage protocol is the most commonly used approach for the treatment of high-energy intra-articular injuries of the distal tibia. Several surgical approaches have been described for the management of ankle and tibial plafond fractures. Each one of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages, hence, it is important to recognize that no one approach is right for all patients. Surgeons managing these complex fractures should be comfortable with the various approaches to the distal tibia and be prepared to use whichever approach is suitable for the individual soft tissues and fracture pattern. Finally, with improvements in surgical techniques and implants, complication rates following ankle and tibial plafond fractures have declined, and outcomes have improved.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is a proprietary and registered drug with several beneficial effects, including tissue repairing, anti-ischemic action, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aims to summarize the current evidence about PRDN’s clinical effectiveness in the management of tendon disorders. From January 2015 to November 2022, OVID-MEDLINE®, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched to identify relevant studies. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated, and relevant data were extracted. Nine studies (two in vivo studies and seven clinical studies) were finally included in this systematic review. Overall, 169 patients (male: 103) were included in the present study. The effectiveness and safeness of PDRN has been investigated in the management of the following diseases: plantar fasciitis; epicondylitis; Achilles tendinopathy; pes anserine bursitis; chronic rotator cuff disease. No adverse effects have been recorded in the included studies and all the patients showed an improvement in clinical symptoms during the follow-up. PDRN are a valid emerging therapeutic drug in the treatment of tendinopathies. Further multicentric randomized clinical studies are needed to better define the therapeutic role of PDRN, especially in combined clinical protocols.

Background Intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric non-union are rare but challenging complications. In the present study, we investigate the use of a 95° blade, in association with biological and mechanical augmentation, in the management of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral non-unions. Methods Between October 2015 and February 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted at our institution to investigate the use of a 95° blade, in association with biological and mechanical augmentation, in the management of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral non-unions, following the mechanical failure of the first device. All the patients underwent a clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months; at each follow-up, a plain radiograph of the femur was performed and patients were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Results From October 2015 and February 2021, 40 proximal femur non-unions were managed at our Institution. Fifteen patients out of forty (37.5%) met the inclusion criteria. The main data of the study are summarized in Table 1; patients’ mean was 57 years old (range 19–83); 10 males and 5 females were included in the study. All the patients completely healed clinically and radiologically at an average of 6.1 months (range 4–13). All these patients returned to their pre-injury mobility status. During an average follow-up period of 25 months (range 8–60), the observed complications included wound dehiscence, which was treated with a superficial surgical debridement, a below-the-knee deep vein thrombosis, and a blade plate failure 3 months after the first revision surgery. Conclusions This study shows the treatment of inter-and sub-trochanteric non-unions with a 95° blade plate, medial strut allograft, and bone autograft obtained with RIA system, together with a varus malalignment correction, leads to a high percentage of bone healing, with a low incidence of complications and good clinical outcome.

Objective Managing displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare and identify the surgical technique with the best outcomes for the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Materials and methods This is a retrospective multicentric study conducted between February 2000 and June 2014 in 206 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fractures presenting to the outpatient or emergency department of three different orthopaedic departments. The patients were treated with one of the following techniques: 1. Open reduction and internal fixation with screws and plate; 2. Percutaneous reduction and monolateral external fixation; and 3. Balloon-assisted reduction, pin fixation and tricalcium phosphate augmentation. Results Patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation using an extensive lateral approach had a mean AOFAS score of 71 points; those treated through a minimal incision and reduction and fixation with an external fixator had a mean score of 83.1 points; and those treated with the balloon-assisted reduction, pin fixation and tricalcium phosphate augmentation had a mean score of 78.75 points. No statistically difference was found comparing the three types of treatment. Conclusion Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures are still technically demanding injuries to manage. The results of this study suggest that in comparison to open reduction, a percutaneous reduction and fixation leads to higher but not statistical functional scores minimizing the wound-healing complications.

Background: Open tibial fractures are mostly the result of high-energy traumas and often involve severe injuries with extensive bone and soft tissue loss, damage of muscles and neurovascular structures. Over recent years, the growth of Ortho-Plastic teams, as a well-coordinated bone, joint and soft tissue treatment, contributed to change the approach to these fractures and to achieve higher successful results in lower limb salvage. Unfortunately, many hospitals cannot benefit of a combined team in emergency, and the orthopedic surgeon is forced to manage personally these kinds of traumas. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all the open tibial fractures treated at our Orthopaedic Department over the last 10 years, in order to assess the treatments performed (one-stage fixation with Intramedullary Nailing or Open Reduction Internal Fixation – ORIF, versus two/multiple-stage fixation with temporary External Fixation followed by nailing or ORIF) and the differences in the outcome between the different methods. Purpose: Based on our experience and review of the literature, the purpose of this paper is to define what cases can be managed by a single-stage orthopaedic approach, and when the orthopaedist should lay down his arms in favor of other specialties. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Proximal humeral fractures represent the third most common observed osteoporotic fracture; the treatment in three and four-part proximal humeral fractures in patients over 65 years is still controversial. Among the treatments described in literature, open reduction and internal fixation (O.R.I.F) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are gaining an increasing popularity.To investigate the correct treatment for three and four-part proximal humeral fractures according to psychological aspects.It was conducted a prospective study with a series of 63 patients treated with O.R.I.F. (group A) and with RSA (group B) for three and four-part proximal humeral fractures according to Neer classification system. A conservative treatment group, as control, was finally introduced. One independent observer performed clinical and a psychological evaluation at one (T0), six (T1) and twelve months (T2) postoperatively. The Constant's score and The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH score) were used for clinical evaluation, while General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Caregiver Strain Scale (CSS) were used for psychological evaluation.At one month follow up in group A the mean values were DASH score 50.8, Constant score 36.1, GAD-7 score 5.4, CSS 5.0. For the group B, the average values at T0 were: DASH score 54.6, Constant score 32.0; GAD-7 score 6.4, CSS 6.2. At six months in group A the average values were DASH score 42.1, Constant score 47.3, GAD-7 score 4.3, CSS 3.9. For the group B, the average values at T1 were: DASH score 39.1, Constant score 43.2, GAD-7 score 5.7, CSS 5.5. At twelve months in the group A, the mean values were DASH score 32.8, Constant score 60.0, GAD-7 score 3.2, CSS 3.1. For the group B shown these mean values: DASH score 33.6, Constant score 52.9, GAD-7 score 4.3, CSS 4.5. We demonstrated a better clinical and psychological outcome at T2 in the group treated with osteosynthesis compared to the group treated with arthroplasty (ConstantBoth open osteosynthesis and reverse shoulder arthroplasty are valid treatments for proximal humeral fractures. According to the best osteosynthesis results the authors suggested to perform a psychological analysis for each patient in order to choose the appropriate treatment.

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of plate or external fixator treatments in distal radius fractures, based not only on clinical and radiographic parameters but on Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) parameters. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metanalyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed when conducting this systematic review. The Revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (RAMSTAR) checklist was additionally consulted in order to ensure a high-quality methodological process, encompassing such elements as an ‘a priori’ design, independent reviews and comprehensive search. The literature search was carried out on PubMed, MEDLINE and Scopus. The search terms used were “Radius fracture AND osteosynthesis”, “Wrist fracture AND external fixator” and “Wrist fracture AND plate”. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full texts. To determine inter-reviewer agreement, a k score was calculated after each screening state. Of the 5753 studies collected through the initial databases search, two studies were included in the final meta-analysis (125 treated with external fixator vs 132 with volar plate). There was a substantial inter-reviewer agreement as to the title (0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.67-0.79) abstract (0.65; 95% CI, 0.46-0.83) and fulltext screening stages (0.89; 95%CI, 0.67-1). The meta-analysis reported a mean difference equal to 0.00 (95%CI= -0.05 – 0.05), in accordance with I2= 0% and p test for the heterogeneity value=0.089. This meta analysis confirms and quantifies that the two techniques are superimposable as regards the quality of life reported by patients at least one year of follow-up.

Background Hofmann et al., in 1995, first described an articulating spacer made by cleaning and autoclaving the original femoral component, which is then re-implanted with a new tibial polyethylene. This systematic review aims to assess the state of existing evidence on the intraoperative autoclaving and re-use of an infected prosthesis, as a spacer, during a two-stage revision following Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PJI). Methods A systematic review was conducted with methods described in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. OVID-MEDLINE®, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched from 1995 to April 2020 to identify relevant studies. Results Fourteen studies were included in this systematic review: two prospective case series; six retrospective comparative studies and six retrospective case series. The reviewed studies included 567 patients (571 knees): 394 patients treated with autoclaved components and 173 with a spacer made of new components. The cumulative re-infection rate in patients treated with re-used autoclaved components was 13.7% (54 re-infections in 394 patients), whereas in control patients the re-infection rate was 13.3% (23 re-infections in 173 patients). The final Range of Movement in patients treated using the autoclaved components as a spacer, compared with patients receiving static spacers, was significantly higher in three out of four comparative studies. Conclusion There is a moderate level of evidence that the intraoperative autoclaving and re-use of an infected prosthesis as a spacer, during a knee resection arthroplasty, is an effective procedure in the management of knee PJI.

Background: this study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on Orthopedic and trauma care in apulia, using as a reference point the orthopedic activity performed in the previous three years in the same bimester;and to assess any relationship between the COVID-19 spreading in apulia and changes in orthopedic and trauma working activity MetHOdS: eight apulian level 1 or level 2 orthopedic and trauma centers took part in the present study in each trauma center, between March 9 and May 3 (eight weeks), the following data were prospectively recorded: the number of patients referring to Orthopedic and trauma emergency room (er) and their cause of injury (i e motor vehicle accident, domestic injury, working injury or sports injury);the number of patients referring to outpatient department and the number and type of surgical interventions performed all trauma centers were also asked to gather the data summarizing surgical, outpatient and er activities during the same period in the previous three years (2017-2019) Furthermore, data about COVID-19 total confirmed cases and total deaths in Apulia were daily recorded reSultS: during COVID-19 lockdown, the mean number of trauma surgeries performed for non-femur fractures, and the mean number of Orthopedic er referrals for motor vehicle accidents, work injuries and sports injuries were significantly reduced, compared with the same period in the previous three years Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed in domestic injuries (p=0 1417) and pFFs (p=0 5462) the mortality rate at discharge in patients with pFFs during COVID-19 lockdown, compared with the same period in the previous three years, was not statistically different (P=0 162) A significantly positive correlation was observed between the COVID-19 total cases number and PFFs patients’ discharge to home (P=0 003), whereas a significant negative correlation was recorded with PFFs patients’ discharge to rehabilitation centers (p=0 001) CONCLUSIONS: Although orthopedic and trauma care significantly changed in Apulia during COVID-19 lockdown, the mean number of patients referring to Orthopedic and Trauma ER for home injuries and PFFs showed no significant differences, compared to the same bimester in the previous three years © 2020 Edizioni Minerva Medica