Complex spinal deformities can cause pain, neurological symptoms and imbalance (sagittal and/or coronal), severely impairing patients’ quality of life and causing disability. Their treatment has always represented a tough challenge: prior to the introduction of modern internal fixation systems, the only option was an arthrodesis to prevent worsening of the deformity. Then, the introduction of pedicle screws allowed the surgeons to perform powerful corrective manoeuvres, distributing forces over multiple levels, to which eventually associate osteotomies. In treating flexible coronal deformities, in-ternal fixation and corrective manoeuvres may be sufficient: the combination of high density pedicle screws and direct vertebral rotation revolutionized surgical treatment of scoliosis.

However, spinal osteotomies are needed for correcting complex rigid deformities; the type of osteot-omy must be chosen according to the aetiology, type and apex of the deformity. When dealing with large radius deformities, spread over multiple levels and without fusion, multiple posterior column os-teotomies such as Smith-Petersen and Ponte (asymmetric, when treating scoliosis) can be performed, dissipating the correction over many levels. Conversely, the management of a sharp, angulated de-formity that involves a few vertebral levels and/or with bony fusion, requires more aggressive 3 col-umn osteotomies such as Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies (PSO), Bone Disc Bone Osteotomies (BDBO) or Vertebral Column Resection (VCR). Sometimes the deformity is so severe that cannot be corrected with only one osteotomy: in this scenario, multilevel osteotomies can be performed.

Objective

High grade hallux rigidus is a forefoot deformity characterized by a limitation of dorsiflexion of the first toe associated with pain, and severe damage of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Most authors recommended resection arthroplasty or arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. The aim of this study was to present the results of our series of 42 consecutive cases of severe hallux rigidus treated by resection of the first metatarsal head and implant of a poly D-L lactic (PDLLA) bioreabsorbable spacer to promote the interposition of fibrous tissue to preserve the range of motion of the joint.

Objective

Combined metatarso-phalangeal and inter-phalangeal deformity represents about 1% of hallux valgus deformity, and its treatment remains a debated topic, because a single osteotomy does not entirely correct the deformity and double osteotomies are needed. The aim of this study is to review the results of 50 consecutive combined metatarso-phalangeal and inter-phalangeal hallux valgus treated by Akin proximal phalangeal osteotomy and SERI minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy.

The aim of this study is to present guidelines for treatment of acquired adult flat foot (AAFF) and review the results of a series of patients consecutively treated. 180 patients (215 feet), mean age 54? 12 years affected by AAFF were evaluated clinically, radiographically and by MRI to chose the adequate surgical strategy. Tibialis posterior dysfunctions grade 1 were treated by tenolysis and tendon repair (48 cases), grade 2 by removal of degenerated tissue and tendon augmentation (41 cases), grade 3 by flexor digitorum longus tendon transfer (23 cases); in these cases subtalar pronation without arthritis was corrected by addictional procedures consisting of either calcaneal osteotomy (66 cases), subtalar athroereisis (25 cases) or Evans procedure (21 cases) in case of severe midfoot abduction. Subtalar arthrodesis (82 cases) or triple arthrodesis (21 cases) were performed in case of subtalar arthritis isolated or associated with midtarsal arthritis respectively. Postoperatively plastercast without weight-bearing for 4 weeks followed by walking boot for 4 weeks was advised. All patients were followed up to 5 years. Before surgery the mean AOFAS score was 48+\−11, while it was 89+\−10 at follow-up (p< 0.005). Mean heel valgus deviation at rest was 15°+\−5° preoperatively and 8°+\−4° at follow-up (p< 0.005). Mean angulation of Meary’s line at talonavicular joint level was 165°+\−12° preoperatively and 175°+\6 at follow-up. Surgical strategy in AAFF should include adequate treatment of tibialis posterior disfunction and osteotomies for correction of the skeletal deformities if joints are arthritis free; arthrodesis should be considered in case of severe joint degeneration

Introduction: Pin loosening is a common complication associated with external fixation. Various attempts such as coating the pins with calcium phosphates, have been made to modify the pin surface in order to reduce pin loosening and provide good fixation. Animal and clinical studies showed that fixation using tapered external fixation pins coated with hydroxyapatite is superior to standard pins. However, there is no data on cylindrical pins either fully or partially coated with HA. A partial coating could be a solution to optimize pin fixation with the advantage of easier removal compared to fully coated pins. Our purpose was to compare standard and partially coated cylindrical Apex pins implanted in a sheep model at 2 and 6 weeks. As controls we included fully coated tapered pins.

Materials/Methods: Five groups of pins were studied. Group A included standard cylindrical Apex pins implanted in sheep which were euthanized 2 weeks after surgery; Group B included partially coated Apex pins implanted in sheep which were euthanized 2 weeks after surgery; Group C included tapered pins fully coated with HA implanted in sheep which were euthanized 2 weeks after surgery; Group D included Standard Apex pins implanted in sheep which were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery; Group E included partially coated Apex pins implanted in sheep which were euthanized 6 weeks after surgery. With the tapered pins, full contact between the coated surface and both cortices was obtained. After pin implantation, a unilateral external fixator was mounted onto the pins (Stryker carbon blue monotube Ø 20/250mm). A 5mm long removal osteotomy was performed in the mid-part of the tibial diaphysis, so that 3 pins were situated above the gap and 3 below to ensure load transfer through the bone-pin interface. Extraction torque and tibial torque resistance and histological analyses were obtained after pin removal.

Results: At 2 weeks, mean insertion torque was significantly higher for group C compared to group A (p = 0.03). Mean extraction torque was statistically higher for group B compared to group A (p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found in the Pettine index (p = 0.03) between groups A and B. At 6 weeks, no differences in extraction torque were seen.

Discussion: We believe that the partial application of the coating reduced the potential for osteointegration and the ultimate fixation of the coated Apex pins.

INTRODUCTION: Diaphyseal aseptic nonunions are challenging complications in forearm fractures, as length imbalance of radius and ulna impairs severely its function. The aim of this study is to report the results of a series of patients operated on by an original technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients aged 17–72 years (mean 35) were treated between 1980 and 2000. Ten patients presented radius nonunion, 37 ulna non-union, and 13 nonunion of both bones. Nonunions occurred after conservative treatment in 8 cases, after one surgical procedure of plating or nailing in 47 cases and after 2 or more surgical procedures in 5 cases. Surgical treatment occurred at mean 36 months after the fracture and consisted of freshening the bone and applying a plate and an opposite cortical bone allograft; in 17 cases omologous intercalary bone graft was applied to restore length, axial and rotational alignment. Postoperative treatment consisted of functional bracing associated with intensive rehabilitation of the elbow and wrist beyond clinical and radiographic union. Average follow up was 15±7 years.

RESULTS:. One implant failed due to infection, requiring additional surgery. Mean elbow ROM was 122°±18. Compared with the contralateral arm, mean loss of wrist ROM was 20°±17. Mean loss of forearm rotation was 25°±15. Average healing time was 14±4 weeks X-ray analysis showed bone healing and good osteointegration of the graft in all cases.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Combining a plate and an opposite massive cortical bone graft resulted to be a very effective technique for surgical treatment of forearm nonunions.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: Metatarsal osteotomies are common procedures for correction of hallux valgus. The aim of this study is to compare linear distal metatarsal osteotomy (LDMO) with SCARF osteotomy a clinical prospective randomised study.

METHODS: Forty patients affected by bilateral hallux valgus similar in both sides regarding clinical and radiographic assessment were included. X-rays, AOFAS, Maryland Foot Score (MFS) were considered before surgery up to 4 years follow-up. All patients were operated bilaterally, and received SCARF osteotomy in one side, and in the other LDMO performed through a 1 cm skin incision under the direct view control. Duration of surgery was recorded. Postoperative care was similar in both groups and consisted of gauze bondage and weight bearing with talus shoes for 4 weeks.

RESULTS: No statistical differences were observed in preoperative HVA, IMA, PASA in both groups. Average surgical time was 17 minutes in SCARF and 3 minutes in LDMO (p< 0.0005). No complications were observed in the series, with no wound dehiscence. All osteotomies healed. At 4 year follow up, no statistical differences were observed in HVA, IMA, PASA comparing SCARF with LDMO. Average AOFAS score was 87±12 in SCARF and 89±10 in LDMO (p=0.07), and MFS was 86±7 in SCARF and 90±3 in SERI (p=0.08).

CONCLUSION: Both SCARF and LDMO techniques resulted effective in the correction of hallux valgus, however SERI, a minimally invasive technique, performed with a shorter skin incision, more rapid surgical time, fixed with a less expensive device (one kirshner wire), resulted in a better clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Distal metatarsal osteotomies have been described for surgical treatment of hallux valgus with good results. The aim of this study is to review the results of our first 1000 consecutive hallux valgus cases treated by minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy, SERI (Simple Effective Rapid Inexpensive).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 1000 feet in 641 patients (359 bilateral), aged between 20 and 65 years (mean 49) affected by hallux valgus without arthritis were studied. Inclusion criteria were deformity less than 40° and intermetatarsal angle up to 18°. A 1-cm medial incision at the metatarsal neck, and a complete osteotomy were performed using an oscillating saw. With the naked eye all characteristics of the deformity were corrected by displacement of the metatarsal head (HVA, IMA, PASA, dorsal or plantar displacement). The osteotomy was stabilized by a 2-mm Kirschner wire. Immediate weight bearing was allowed with gauze bandage and talus shoes for 4 weeks. All patients were checked at an average follow-up of 37 months.

RESULTS: All osteotomies healed, delayed consolidation was observed in 25 feet. Slight stiffness was observed in 31 feet. Mean AOFAS score was 48+15 pre-op and 89+13 at follow up. The pre-op HVA was 32+8, while at follow-up it was 18+8 (p< 0.005), pre-op IMA was 14+3, while at follow-up it was 6+4 (p< 0.005), the pre-op PASA was 21+9, while at follow-up was 9+8(p< 0.005).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: SERI osteotomy was simple, effective, rapid and inexpensive in correcting hallux valgus deformity. Clinical and radiographical findings showed an adequate correction of the deformity.

Introduction: Screw loosening is a common complication of osteoporotic fracture fixation leading to implant loosening, fracture malunion and non-union. Because recent animal studies have shown that bisphosphonates improve implant fixation we wanted to assess whether alendronate (ALN) improves screw fixation in a clinical setting of osteoporotic fractures.

Methods: Sixteen consecutive patients with AO/OTA A1 pertrochanteric fractures were selected. Inclusion criteria were: female over the age of 65, BMD T-score less than −2.5 SD. Fractures were fixed with a pertrochanteric fixator and 4 hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated screws. Two screws were implanted in the femoral head (screw positions 1 and 2) and two in the femoral diaphysis (screw positions 3 and 4). Patients were randomized to either postoperative systemic administration of ALN, 70 mg per week for 3 months (Group A) or no ALN. Fixators were removed at 3 months post-op in all patients.

Results: All the fractures healed. No differences in screw insertion torque between the two groups were found. No pin loosening or infection occurred. The combined mean extraction torque of the screws implanted at positions 1 and 2 (cancellous bone) was 3181 ± 1385 N/mm in Group A and 1890 ± 813 N/mm in Group B (p < 0.001). The combined mean extraction torque of the screws implanted at positions 3 and 4 (cortical bone) was 4327 ± 1720 N/mm in Group A and 3785 ± 1181 N/mm in Group B (ns).

Discussion and Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate in a clinical setting improved screw fixation following post-operative ALN treatment. We observed a two-fold fixation increase in the screws implanted in cancellous bone. With cortical bone, the difference in screw fixation was less marked. Besides its bone preserving ALN should be recommended as an effective solution to improve fixation in osteoporotic bone.

INTRODUCTION: Displaced comminuted intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DCCF) need anatomic reduction to avoid painful subtalar joint, deformities, tendon or nerve impingment. Open reduction and internal fixation has been extensively reported, but all series reported considerable rate of skin complications, infections and need of additional plastic procedure. The aim of this study is to review a series of DCCF operated by minimally invasive technique.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 66 DCCF type Sanders II-III were selected in 63 patients aged 18–57 years. X-ray and CT scan were performed. Surgery consisted of percutaneous traction-reduction of the calcaneal body by bone forceps and fixation by K-wires under image intensifier. Then, a lateral 3 cm skin incision was performed to reduce subtalar joint and to fix it by 1 or 2 screws. In case of involvement of the calcano-cuboid joint, the incision was distally extended and a 4-hole plate was applied. K-wires were removed 5 weeks after surgery and weight bearing was permitted 12–16 weeks after surgery. Patients were evaluated clinically by AOFAS score and radiographically at 4 years follow-up (3–7).

RESULTS: No skin complications or infections were encountered in the series. All fractures healed. Mean postoperative Bohler angle was 29±5°. AOFAS score was 89±11. 31 cases were excellent, 22 good, 9 fair and 4 poor. 25 cases presented radiographic signs of subtalar joint arthritis, painful only in 4.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgical treatment resulted adequate for treating DCCF, in fact if soft tissues are preserved by surgical trauma, dangerous complications like infections and skin problems can be avoided.

Introduction: The main goal of surgical correction of hallux valgus is the morphological and functional rebalance of the first ray and correcting all the characteristics of the deformity. Historically, distal metatarsal osteotomies and SCARF have been indicated in cases of mild or moderate deformity with inter-metatarsal angles up to 20° and are procedures widely used for correction of hallux valgus. The aim of this study is to compare a distal metatarsal osteotomy recently described (SERI) with SCARF osteotomy in a clinical prospective randomised study.

Methods: 20 patients with bilateral hallux valgus similar on both sides regarding clinical and radiographic assessment were included. Clinical evaluation using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and radiographic assessment were considered before surgery up to 2 years follow-up. All patients were operated bilaterally in the same surgical sitting, and received at random SCARF osteotomy on one side, and on the other a SERI osteotomy performed through a 1 cm skin incision under tdirect view control and fixed with one Kirschner wire. Duration of surgery was recorded. Postoperative care was similar in both groups and consisted of gauze bandage and weight bearing with talus shoes for 30 days.

Results: No statistical differences were observed in preoperative HVA, IMA, DMAA in both groups. Average surgical time was 17 minutes in SCARF and 3 minutes in SERI (p< 0.0005). No complications were observed in the series, with no wound dehiscence. All osteotomies healed uneventfully. At 2 year follow up, no statistical differences were observed in HVA, IMA, DMAA comparing SCARF with SERI. Average AOFAS score was 87±12 in SCARF and 89±10 in SERI (p=0.07).

Conclusions: Both SCARF and SERI techniques proved effective in the correction of hallux valgus, however SERI, performed with a shorter skin incision, in less surgical time, fixed with a cheaper device (one Kirschner wire), resulted in a better clinical outcome.

Introduction: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is the third most common hereditary disease of the muscle after Duchenne and myotonic dystrophy. FSHD consists in an atrophic myopathy with predominant involvement of the face, upper arms, and shoulder muscles. FSHD compromises the muscles of the scapu-lothoracic joint, and usually spares muscles of the scapu-lohumeral joint. Consequently, when the patient tries to abduct or foreword flex the shoulder, the contraction of the relatively preserved scapulo-humeral muscles produces an abnormal rotation of the scapula, that is not hold to the chest wall because of the insufficiency of the scapulo-thoracic muscles, resulting in a winged scapula and in a limited arm motion. The aim of this study is to describe an original scapulopexy and report the long term results obtained in 9 patients affected by FSHD.

Material and methods: Nine patients (4 male and 5 female) affected by winged scapula in FSHD were observed and selected. Average age at surgery was 25 years (range 13–39). Surgery consisted in scapulopexy of both sides in the same surgical time. Through a skin incision on its medial border the scapula was exposed and positioned over the chest. The 5th to the 8th ribs were exposed in the part below the scapula. The position of the scapula over the chest was fixed by 4 doubled metal wires to the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th rib. Each wire was passed anteriorly to the rib, and into a hole performed 1.5 cm from the medial border of the scapula. By tightening the wires, the scapula was fixed firmly over the chest. A figure of eight dressing that holds the shoulders back was applied immediately after surgery and maintained for six weeks.

Results: The average surgical time was 65 minute for each single procedure. One patient experienced an unilateral pneumothorax the day after operation, which resolved spontaneously in 48 hours. Average follow up was 11 years (range 3–15). All patients experienced a complete resolution of the winged scapula and an improvement of range of motion of the shoulder compared to the pre operative conditions. Average pre-operative abduction was 68 and post-operative was 85. Average pre-operative flexion was 78 and post-operative 112.

Discussion: This technique is easy and quick to perform, does not require grafts, reduces post surgical complications such as pneumothorax or haemothorax, and ensures good results even at considerable follow-up.

Introduction: Neck hyperextension (NH) is defined as a progressive increase of lordosis associated with a limitation in flexion of the cervical spine, which ultimately results in an inability to approximate the chin to the sternum. NH may occur in relation to several myopathies. It is characterized by a general weakness and contractures of the axial muscles which produces a progressive increase of lordosis associated with a limitation in flexion of the cervical spine, that forces the patient to assume awkward compensatory postures to maintain balance and level vision. This study reports on operative complications, the degree of correction, the achievement of a solid arthrodesis, the maintenance of the correction and the clinical assessment of 7 patients.

Material and methods: Seven patients affected by various myophaties and NH were included. The mean age was 16.5 years (10–28 years). All underwent surgery, in which the paravertebral muscles were detached from the spinous processes and then transversally sectioned in order to bilaterally expose the laminas of vertebrae C2 to C7. The space between C1–C2 appeared mobile, while the spinous processes from C2 to C7 were close together and thus allowed only a very limited motion in between them. Ligamenti interspinosus and nuchae were detached and the facet joints from C2 to C7 were enlarged by capsulotomy. With a spreader rongeur, the interspinous spaces at each level were gently opened. Cortical cancellous autologue graft were shaped into wedges. After careful opening of each interspinous space, the bone wedges were driven between the spinous processes to maintain the achieved correction. The average follow-up time was 10.4 years (2.4–16.5 years).

Results: No major surgical complications occurred. At follow-up, the average angle between C2–C7 in neutral position had decreased (p = 0.016) from 50.7 (40–70) to 21.4 (2–50). The range of motion in the C1–C2 joint remained unaffected, while it decreased in C2–C7 (p = 0.016) from 33.5 (15–64) to 1.8 (0–8). In all cases, a solid arthrodesis was achieved.

Discussion and conclusion: The follow-up showed significant clinical improvement of posture in all patients. Our study has shown surgical treatment of NH to be an effective method within the whole series of seven patients, achieving both good immediate and good long-term results.

Introduction: Deterioration of bone-pin interface, causing pin loosening and infection, is a major cause of postoperative complications following external fixation. This paper presents the results obtained using hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated pins in various bone types, such as osteoporotic bone.

Materials And Methods; In an animal study comparing HA-coated and standard pins, pin insertion and extraction torque were measured. Subsequently, a clinical study compared insertion, extraction torque and pin-tract infection rate of standard and HA-coated pins implanted in healthy and osteoporotic bone.

Results: hi the animal study, mean final insertion torque was 4360±1050Nmm in the standard group and 3420 ± 676 Nmm in the HA-coated group. Mean extraction torque was 253 ± 175 Nmm in the standard group and 3360 ± 1260 Nmm in the HA-coated group (p = 0.002). In the clinical study on healthy bone, the mean insertion torque was 4130 ± 2160 Nmm in the standard group and 3440 ± 1930 Nmm in the HA-coated group (p = 0.03). The mean extraction torque was 1470 ± 1700 Nmm in the standard group and 5130 ± 2300 Nmm in the HA-coated group (p < 0.001). There were 33 pin-tract infections in the standard group and 20 pin-tract infections in the HA-coated group (p < 0.05, power 0.9). The standard pin group had a mean extraction torque of 730 (0–5500) Nmm in the infected pin-tracks and 2110 (0–7000) Nmm in the uninfected pin-tracts (p < 0.0001). The HA-coated group had a mean extraction torque of 5310 (1000–8000) Nmm in the infected pin-tracts and 5080 (0–8000) Nmm in the uninfected pin tracts (NS). In the clinical study on osteoporotic bone, mean final insertion torque was 461 ± 254 Nmm in the standard group and 331 ± 175Nmm in the HA-coated group (p = 0.01). Mean extraction torque was 191 ± 154 Nmm in the standard group and 600 ± 214 Nmm in the HA-coated group (p < 0.0005). Pin infection rate was greater in the standard group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: There was no deterioration of the bone-pin interface strength (measured by torque resistance at the time of pin extraction) with HA-coated pins. The improved strength of fixation of the HA-coated pins was associated with a lower incidence of pin-tract infection.

Although dynamic hip screw (DHS) is considered the treatment of choice for pertrochanteric fractures, we theorized that external fixation would produce clinical outcomes equal to, if not better than, outcomes obtained with conventional treatment. As external fixation is minimally-invasive, we expected a lower rate of morbidity and a reduced need for blood transfusions. We compared fixation with DHS vs. Orthofix pertrochanteric fixator (OPF) in elderly pertrochanteric fracture patients. Forty consecutive pertrochanteric fracture patients were randomized to receive either 135A1 4-hole DHS (Group A) or OPF with 4 HA-coated pins (Group B). Inclusion criteria were: female, age B3 65 years, AO type A1 or A2 and BMD less than −2.5 T score. There were no differences in patient age, fracture type, BMD, ASA, hospital stay or quality of reduction. Operative time was 64 B1 6 minutes in Group A and 34 B1 5 minutes in Group B (p < 0.005). Average number of post-operative blood transfusions was 2.0 B1 0.1 in Group A, and none in Group B (p < 0.0001). Pain was measured 5 days post-operatively and was lower in Group B (p < 0.005). Fracture varization at 6 months was 6 B1 8A1 in Group A and 2 B1 1A1 in Group B (p = 0.002). In Group B, no pin-tract infections occurred. Pin fixation improved over time, as shown by pin extraction torque (2770 B1 1710 N/mm) greater than insertion torque (1967 B1 1254 N/mm), (p= 0.001). Harris hip score at 2 years was 62 B1 20 in Group A and 63 B1 17 in Group B. This study shows that OPF with HA-coated pins is an effective treatment for this patient population. Operative time is brief, blood loss is minimal, fixation is adequate and the reduction is maintained over time.

Aims: The pourpose of this study is to review a series of A2 intertrochanteric fractures in old, obese osteoporotic patients treated by total hip arthroplasty. Methods: 52 patients with A2 intertrochanteric fracture aged ≥ 75 years, mentally healthy, with BMD lower than 2.5 T score and Body Mass Index ≥30 were selected. They were 40 female and 12 males, aged 82±5 years with Body Mass Index of 32±2. Through a Hardinge approach to the hip, the femoral head was removed and a cemented cup and stem were implanted. Then the greater trochanter fragments were fixed by cerclage. The lesser trochanter fragment was not fixed. Medius gluteus muscle fibers were sutured to the greater trochanter and to the vastus lateralis muscle. All patients were allowed weight bearing as soon as possible after surgery. Results: No surgical complications were observed. Average Harris Hip Score at 1 month was 63±9 at 3 months 77±6 and at 1 year 78±7, at 5 years follow up 76±14 in the 24 patients still alive. None of the other died for causes related to the interthrocanteric fracture. Average return to normal daily activity time was 27±5 days. Conclusions: Total hip arthroplasty is a safe procedure for treatment of old, obese osteoporotic patients affected by A2 intertro-chanteric fractures. In fact, no failure occurred in any of the patients allowed unrestricted weight bearing from the first day after surgery. Moreover, they could return to normal daily activity in less than 5 weeks.

Aims: The purpose of this paper is to review a series of ankle post-traumatic deformities treated by arthroplasty, þbula lengthening, bone graft and correction of the malunion. Methods: 30 cases, mean age 40 (±15), were operated 6–30 months after injury and followed up at 5 years. Clinical Maryland foot score (MFS) and X-ray evaluation were performed pre op and at follow up. After medial revision of bone and soft tissue structures, through a lateral transmalleolar approach, mal-union of the posterior malleolus or sinking of the lateral tibial plafond were corrected using autologous cortical cancellous bone graft covered by its periosteal ßap. Postoperative treatment consisted of immediate continual passive motion weightbearing allowed after an average of 8–12 weeks after surgery. Results: Pre op MFS was 64±8 and post-op it was 82±11. 11 patients had excellent results with normal range of motion, no pain, and no progression of the arthritis. The result in 9 cases was good with a normal range of motion, little pain after long walk, and no progression of arthritis. 7 cases were fair because of a decrease in the range of motion and progression of arthritis and moderate pain. 3 poor cases needed arthrodesis. Conclusions: Fibula lengthening, bone graft and correction of malunion were effective treatment of ankle post-traumatic valgus deformity in order to delay ankle fusion in young patients. The success of the procedure was correlated to the severity of arthritis and the joint congruity obtained by surgery.

Aims: Our purpose was to determine if DHS fixed with hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated AO/ASIF screws improves fixation and clinical outcomes in osteoporotic trochanteric fracture patients. Methods: 120 osteoporotic patients with trochanteric fractures were randomized to receive 135° 4-hole DHS fixed with either standard lag and cortical stainless-steel AO/ASIF screws (Group A) or HA-coated lag and cortical stainless-steel AO/ASIF screws (Group B). Inclusion criteria were: female; age ≥65 years; AO type A1 or A2; and BMD lower than -2.5 T score. Results: Tip Apex Distance (TAD) was 22±4mm in Group A and 23±5mm in Group B (ns). In Group A there were 4 cut-out cases and none in Group B (p< 0.05, β=0.8). Post-op (ns) and 6 month (p=0.008) femoral neck-shaft angle was 134±5° and 129±7° (Group A) and 134±7° and 133±7° (Group B). At 6 months, Harris Hip Score was 63±22 (Group A) and 71±18 (Group B) (p=0.02). Conclusions: HA-coated AO/ASIF screws prevent fracture varization and lag screw cutout, thus improving clinical outcomes in osteoporotic trochanteric fracture patients.

Aims: We compared treatment with external fixation (EF) vs DHS in osteoporotic trochanteric fractures. Methods: 40 patients were randomized to receive either 135° 4-hole DHS (Group A) or an Orthofix trochanteric external fixator with 4 hydroxyapatite-coated Osteotite pins (Group B). Inclusion criteria were: female, age ≥65 years, AO fracture type A1-2 and BMD lower than -2.5T score. Fixators were removed at 3 months. Results: There were no differences in patient age, fracture type, BMD, ASA, hospital stay, or quality of reduction. Operative time was 64±6 minutes in Group A and 34±5 minutes in Group B (p< 0.005). Average number of blood transfusions was 2±0.1 in Group A, and none in Group B (p< 0.0001). Fracture varization at 6 months was 6±8° in Group A and 2±1° in Group B (p=0.002). Harris Hip Score was 62±20 in Group A and 63±17 in Group B (ns). In Group B, no pin-track infections occurred. Pin fixation was maintained over time, as shown by no differences between pin extraction and insertion torque. Conclusions: We consider EF a viable treatment option for this patient population. Operative time is short, postoperative complications are minimized, and fixation is improved.

Aims: The purpouse of the study is to review a series of hallux valgus treated by minimally invasive distal metatarsal osteotomy with a simple, effective, rapid, inexpensive (SERI) technique. Methods: 54 consecutive feet in 37 patients, aged 48 ± 23 years affected by hallux valgus deformity less than 40û with an intermetatarsal angle up to 20û were reviewed at 5 years follow up. Surgical technique consisted of a 1 cm medial incision at the metatarsal neck, then an osteotomy was performed using an oscillating saw. With a direct line of vision, all characteristics of the deformity (HVA, IMA, DMAA) were corrected by lateral displacement of the metatarsal head; contemporary plantar or dorsal displacement was performed according to insufþciency or overloading of the þrst ray. The osteotomy was stabilized by a 2 mm Kirschner wire. All patients were clinically (AOFAS score) and radiographically checked at an average follow up of 5 years. Results: The clinical score at follow up was (91±12). The pre-op hallux valgus angle was 32.5±9, while post-op it was 22±7 (p< 0.0001), pre-op inter-metatarsal angle was 13±3, while post op it was 9±3 (p< 0.0001), the pre-op distal metatarsal articular angle was 19±10, while post-op it was 9±7 (p< 0.0001). Conclusions: Clinical and radiographic þndings showed that SERI osteotomy permitted an adequate correction of all the pathologic characteristics of the deformity, and this factor is responsible for our satisfactory results.