Septic arthritis following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is a rare and serious complication. Previous studies have shown that septic arthritis is associated with inferior outcome of ACLR. Despite that, there is no standardized treatment protocol, and the course of the disease has mainly been studied within single institutions with a small number of patients. The aim of the present study is to describe the course of septic arthritis following ACLR in a large nationwide cohort. The hypothesis was that the clinical presentation of septic arthritis following ACLR varies according to the infectious agent. The present cohort represents patients with septic arthritis identified in a previous study that analyzed compensation claims reported to the Swedish national insurance company (Löf) in 2005–2014 (1). The diagnosis was confirmed by medical experts at Löf after review of medical records. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the medical records as well as data available from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry (SNKLR) for the study group. The study involved 158 patients who received compensation due to developing septic arhtirits. 94 (59.9%) patients were infected with Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS), and 25 patients by Staphyolococcus Aureus (S.Aureus) (15.9%). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding Maximum CRP (p<0.001), and duration between ACLR and first washout operation (p<0.005). S.aureus group had the higest maximum CRP (281) and the shortest duration between ACLR and first washout operation (12 days). The Clinical presentation of septic arthritis following ACLR can vary according to the agent causing the infection, and low virulent agents are responsible for the majority of the infections. Clinicians need to be aware of these differences and consider them when making diagnosis or treatment decisions

Monomeric C reactive protein (mCRP) presents important proinflammatory effects in endothelial cells, leukocytes, or chondrocytes. However, CRP in its pentameric form exhibits weak anti-inflammatory activity. It is used as a biomarker to follow severity and progression in infectious or inflammatory diseases, such as intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). This work assesses for the first time the mCRP effects in human intervertebral disc cells, trying to verify the pathophysiological relevance and mechanism of action of mCRP in the etiology and progression of IVD degeneration. We demonstrated that mCRP induces the expression of multiple proinflammatory and catabolic factors, like nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and lipocalin 2 (LCN2), in human annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. We also showed that nuclear factor-κβ (NF-κβ), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) are at play in the intracellular signaling of mCRP. Our results indicate that the effect of mCRP is persistent and sustained, regardless of the proinflammatory environment, as it was similar in healthy and degenerative human primary AF cells. This is the first article that demonstrates the localization of mCRP in intravertebral disc cells of the AF and NP and that provides evidence for the functional activity of mCRP in healthy and degenerative human AF and NP disc cells

A hot swollen joint is a commonly encountered condition in clinical practice. With a broad range of differentials, septic arthritis (SA) is perhaps one of the most concerning. Treated by culture-specific antibiotics and arthroscopic lavage, some patients require multiple washouts. We aimed to determine:. (1) What are the risk factors for development of SA?. (2) What are the risk factors for repeat washout in SA patients?. (3) What are the important clinical differences between a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and SA cohort?. All patients presenting to the emergency department, orthopaedic, and rheumatology clinics between January 2020 to January 2021 with a hot, swollen joint were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with previous trauma on the ipsilateral joint, with data missing from their medical records in any of the variables required for analysis, <24 months follow-up were excluded. Variables of interest in the three-month period preceding the diagnosis of SA were compared between SA and non-SA patients. Factors with a p-value of p<0.100 in univariate analysis were included in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model. Similar analyses were performed to compare SA patients with multiple washouts with those needing one washout. Demographical and clinical data for PJI patients were collected to delineate important differences with SA cohort. 211 patients were included (SA:28;PJI:24;pseudogout:32;gout:26;others:101). Multivariate analysis showed rheumatoid arthritis (RA), skin infection, and liver disease were risk factors for SA. Amongst patients with septic arthritis, multivariate analysis showed that WBC levels above normal limits (3.6-10.5×109 cells/L) and RA were risk factors for multiple washouts. Between the SA and PJI cohorts, BMI (p=0.002) was significantly lower in the former, whilst WBC level (p=0.023) and CRP (p<0.0001) was significantly higher in the former. Early diagnosis of septic arthritis requires understanding the risk factors, namely RA, skin infection, and liver disease. Considering PJI and septic arthritis as the same entity can lead to wrong clinical judgement, and clinicians should be aware of important differences. We believe that the models in this study are of prognostic value to clinicians who are presented with the common presenting compliant of a hot swollen joint

Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disease which includes the intervention of several cytokines and macrophage metalleinoproteinases reaction, leading to the degradation of the local cartilage but also having an impact on the serum acute phase proteins (APPs). Subsequently, biomarkers seem to be essential to estimate its progression and the need for any surgical intervention such as total arthroplasty, but also can be used as therapeutic agents. Recently, among APPs, fetuin-A drew attention regarding its possible anti-inflammatory role in animal models but also as a therapeutic agent in the inflammatory joint disease in clinical trials. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible attenuating role of the intra-articular administration of Fetuin-A in post-traumatic induced secondary osteoarthritis in rats, and also its effect on the systematic levels of IL-2,4,7, BMPs 2,4,7, CRP and Fetuin-A. 30 male Sprague Dawley rats were separated in two groups where post-traumatic osteoarthritis was induced surgically by Anterior Cruciate Ligament Transection and the transection of the Medial Collateral Ligament of the right knee. In the Control Group, only surgical intervention took place. In Fetuin Group, along with the induction of osteoarthritis, a single dose of bovine fetuin was administrated intra-articularly intra-operatively in 5 and 8 weeks of the experimental protocol. Both groups were examined for 8 weeks. The levels of interleukins, bone morphogenetic proteins, Fetuin-A and C-Reactive Protein were evaluated by ELISA of peripheral blood in three time periods: preoperatively, 5 and 8 weeks post-operatively. Knee osteoarthritic lesions were classified according to Osteoarthritis Research Society International Grading System and Modified Mankin Score, by histologic examination. IL-2 levels were significantly decreased in the Fetuin Group. No statistical difference was signed on the levels of IL-7, BMP-2,4,7 and Fetuin-A between the two groups. CRP levels were significantly increased in the Fetuin Group in 5 weeks of the experiment. Fetuin Group signed better scores according to the OARSI classification system and Modified Mankin Score, without any statistical significance. Intra-articular administration of Fetuin-A restrictively affected the progression of post-traumatic arthritis in rats, as only the levels of IL-2 were decreased as well as limited osteoarthritic lesions were observed on the Fetuin Group

Aim. This study aims to define the normal postoperative presepsin kinetics in patients undergoing primary cementless total hip replacement (THR). Methods. Patients undergoing primary cementless THR at our Institute were recruited. At enrollment anthropometric data, smocking status, osteoarthritis stage according to Kellgren and. Lawrence, Harris Hip Score (HHS), drugs assumption and comorbidities were recorded. All the patients underwent serial blood tests, including complete blood count, presepsin (PS) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) 24 hours before arthroplasty and at 24-, 48-, 72- and 96-hours postoperatively and at 3-, 6- and 12-months follow-up. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS v25.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). The Wilcoxon and Kruskal-Wallis tests followed by the Dunn multiple comparison post hoc tests were carried out. Correlations between PS, CRP and TOT were assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. P values below 0.05 were considered significant. Results and conclusion. A total of 96 patients were recruited (51 female; 45 male; mean age= 65.74±5.58) were recruited. The mean PS values were: 137.54 pg/ml at baseline, 192.08 pg/ml at 24-hours post-op; 254.85 pg/ml at 48-hours post-op; 259 pg/ml at 72-hours post-op; 248.6 pg/ml at 96-hour post-op; 140.52 pg/ml at 3-months follow-up; 135.55 pg/ml at 6-months follow-up and 130.11 pg/ml at 12-months follow-up. In two patients (2.08%) a soft-tissue infection was observed; in these patients higher levels (>350pg/mL) were recorded at 3-months follow-up. The lack of a presepsin decrease at 96 hours post-operatively should be a predictive factor of infection

Background. Establishing the diagnosis in a child presenting with an atraumatic limp can be challenging. There is particular difficulty distinguishing septic arthritis (SA) from transient synovitis (TS) and consequently clinical prediction algorithms have been devised to differentiate the conditions using the presence of fever, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), raised white cell count (WCC) and inability to weight bear. Within Europe measurement of the ESR has largely been replaced with assessment of C-reactive protein (CRP) as an acute phase protein. We have evaluated the utility of including CRP in a clinical prediction algorithm to distinguish TS from SA. Method. All children with a presentation of ‘atraumatic limp’ and a proven effusion on hip ultrasound between 2004 and 2009 were included. Patient demographics, details of the clinical presentation and laboratory investigations were documented to identify a response to each of four variables (Weight bearing status, WCC >12,000 cells/m3, CRP >20mg/L and Temperature >38.5 degrees C. The definition of SA was based upon microscopy and culture of the joint fluid collected at arthrotomy. Results. 311 hips were included within the study. Of these 282 were considered to have transient synovitis. 29 patients met criteria to be classified as SA based upon laboratory assessment of the synovial fluid. The introduction of CRP eliminated the need for a four variable model as the use of two variables (CRP and weight bearing status) had similar efficacy. An algorithm that indicated a diagnosis of SA in individuals who could not weight-bear and who had a CRP >20mg/L correctly classified SA in 94.8% individuals, with a sensitivity of 75.9%, specificity of 96.8%, positive predictive value of 71.0%, and negative predictive value of 97.5%. CRP was a significant independent predictor of septic arthritis. Conclusions. CRP was a strong independent risk factor of septic arthritis, and its inclusion within a regression model simplifies the diagnostic algorithm, such that a two-variable model correctly classified 95% individuals with SA. Nevertheless, this and similar algorithms are generally more reliable in excluding SA, than confirming SA, and therefore a clinician's acumen remains important in identifying SA in those individuals with a single abnormal variable

We describe a case series using calcium sulphate bio composite with antibiotics (Cerament/Stimulan) in treating infected metalwork in the lower limb. Eight patients aged 22–74 (7 males, 1 female) presented with clinical evidence of infected limb metal work from previous orthopaedic surgery. Metal work removal with application of either cerement in 5 cases (10–20ml including 175mg–350mg gentamycin) or stimulan in 3 cases (10–20ml including either 1g vancomycin or clindamycin 1.2g or 100mg tigecycline) into the site was performed. Supplemental systemic antibiotic therapy (oral/intravenous) was instituted based on intraoperative tissue culture and sensitivity. Four patients had infected ankle metalwork, 2 patients infected distal tibial metalwork and 2 had infected external fixators. Metal work was removed in all cases. The mean pre operative CRP was 15.8mg/l (range 1–56mg/l). The mean postoperative CRP at 1 month was 20.5mg/l (range 2–98mg/l). The mean pre op WCC was 7.9×10. 9. (range 4.7–10.5 ×10. 9. ). Mean post op WCC at 1 month was 7.1×10. 9. (range 5.0–9.2×10. 9. ). The organisms cultured included enterobacter, staphylococcus aureus, staphylococcus epidermidis, staphylococcus cohnii, stenotrophomonas, acinetobacter, group B streptococcus, enterococcus and escherichia coli. No additional procedures were required in any case. All surgical wounds went on to heal uneventfully. Infection control and union was achieved both clinically and radiologically in all cases. Our results support the use of a calcium sulphate bio composite with antibiotic as an adjuvant for effective local infection control in cases with implant related bone sepsis. The technique is well tolerated with no systemic or local side effects. We believe that implant removal, debridement and local antibiotic delivery can minimise the need for prolonged systemic antibiotic therapy in such cases

Infection remains among the first reasons for failure of joint prosthesis. Currently, the golden standard for treating prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) is two-stage revision. However, two-stage procedures have been reported to be associated with higher costs and possible higher morbidity and mortality, compared to one-stage. Furthermore, recent studies showed the ability of a fast-resorbable, antibacterial-loaded hydrogel coating to reduce surgical site infections after joint replacement, by preventing bacterial colonization of implants. Aim of this study was then to compare the infection recurrence rate after a one-stage, cemenless exchange, performed with an antibacterial coated implant versus a standardized two-stage revision procedure. In this two-center prospective study, 22 patients, candidate to revision surgery for PJI, were enrolled to undergo a one-stage revision surgery with cementless implants, coated intra-operatively with a fast-resorbable, antibiotic-loaded hyaluronan and poly-D,L-lactide based hydrogel coating (“Defensive Antibacterial Coating”, DAC, Novagenit, Italy). DAC was reconstructed according to manufacturer indications and loaded with Vancomycin or Vancomycin + Meropenem, according to cultural examinations, and directly spread onto the implant before insertion. This prospective cohort was compared with a retrospective series of 22 consecutive patients, matched for age, sex, host type, site of surgery, that underwent a two stage procedure, using a preformed, antibiotic-loaded spacer (Tecres, Italy) and a cementless implant. The second surgery, for definitive implant placing, was performed only after CRP normalization and no clinical sign of infection. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic evaluation were performed at 3, 6 and 12 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Infection recurrence was defined by the presence of a sinus tract communicating with the joint, or at least two among the following criteria: clinical signs of infections; elevated CRP and ESR; elevated synovial fluid WBC count; elevated synovial fluid leukocyte esterase; a positive cultural examination from synovial fluid; radiographic signs of stem loosening. The two groups did not differ significantly for age, sex, host type and site of surgery (18 knees and 4 hips, respectively). The DAC hydrogel was loaded intra-operatively, according to cultural examination, with vancomycin (14 patients) or vancomycin and meropenem (8 cases). At a mean follow-up of 20.2 ± 6.3 months, 2 patients (9.1%) in the DAC group showed an infection recurrence, compared to 3 patients (13.6%) in the two-stage group. No adverse events associated with the use of DAC or radiographic loosening of the stem were observed at the latest follow-up months. This is the first report on one-stage cementless revision surgery for PJI, performed with a fast-resorbable antibacterial hydrogel coating. Our data, although in a limited series of patients and at a relatively short follow-up, show similar infection recurrence rate after one-stage exchange with cementless, coated implants, compared to two-stage revision. These findings warrant further studies in the possible applications of antibacterial coating technologies to treat implant-related infections

Our study has determined the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) after total knee replacement (TKR). The peak level occurs on the second postoperative day and is significantly greater than that after total hip replacement (THR). The level returns to normal at similar times after both procedures. The physiological response to TKR as measured by the area under the CRP/ time curve is significantly greater than that after THR. Rising CRP levels after the third postoperative day may indicate a complication of surgery such as infection

The most common reasons for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) failure are aseptic loosening (AL) and prosthetic joint infection (PJI). There is a big clinical challenge to identify the patients with high risk of AL/PJI before the TJA surgery. Although there is evidence that genetic factors contribute to the individual susceptibility to AL/PJI, a predictive model for identification of patients with a high genetic risk of TJA failure has not been developed yet. We aimed to develop a risk evaluation tool utilising the AL/PJI-associated polymorphisms for identification of patients with high genetic risk of TJA failure based on inflammation-gene polymorphism panel. Based on allele and genotype frequencies of twenty-five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF, IL2, IL6, IL10, IL1b, IL-1Ra, MBL2, MMP1, FTO genes and those influencing the serum levels of biomarkers of TJA outcomes (IL6, CCL2/MCP-1, CRP, ESR) in peripheral blood obtained from patients with TJA (AL, n=110; PJI, n=93; no complications, n=123), we calculated a hazard ratio and a relative entropy of alleles and genotypes associated with AL and PJI and their combinations in patient subgroups. We conducted a risk evaluation tool based on the presence of risk alleles and genotypes in TNF (rs361525, rs1800629), DARC (rs12075), MBL2 (rs11003125) and FTO (rs9939609, rs9930506) genes associated with implant failure (AL/PJI). Of these, FTO gene variations (rs9939609, rs9930506) were associated mainly with PJI (P=0.001, OR=2.04, 95%CI=1.132–2.603; P=0.011, OR=1.72, 95%CI=1.338–3.096) and DARC (rs12075) with AL (P=0.005, OR=1.79, 95%CI=1.193–2.696). This tool calculates a hazard ratio of a combination of SNPs associated with AL and PJI for identification of patients with high and low risk of AL/PJI TJA failure. We proposed a risk evaluation tool for stratification of patients before the TJA surgery based on the genetic risk of AL/PJI development. The effect size for each genotype combination described in the study is small. Further multiparametric data analysis and studies on an extended patient cohort and other non-genetic and genetic parameters are ongoing. Grant support: AZV MZ CR VES16-131852A, VES15-27726A, IGA LF UP_2016_011

Deep surgical infections are a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Various protocols exist for treating these infections, each with its own advocates. In this series we report the one to five year follow-up of infected TKA that were treated with a two-stage revision knee replacement at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary between December 2003 and March 2009. 48 patients were identified from the hospital database. 6 of these were excluded as they did not meet the stipulated infection criteria. Another patient was excluded as no notes were available thereby the infection status could not be determined. Another 8 patients were excluded as these only had a first stage. 33 patients (16 male) average age 67y (49–88) met the inclusion criteria. Mean BMI was of 31.62 (19–47) and 8 patients suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. At presentation, the median for the ESR, CRP and WCC were 70.5, 133 and 8.5 respectively. The infective organism was identified in 22 patients. Following the first stage, the patients were treated with antibiotics (initially intravenous followed by oral) for an average of 11.8 weeks (4–52 weeks). This procedure failed to eliminate the infection in 6 patients (18.18%) who had further re-admissions for infection of the affected prosthesis. The resultant success rate is of over 80% which is comparable to literature data (success rates of 41% to 96% quoted). For these patients, the average time to review was 25.13 months (12–67months). At review these patients had a mean extension of 2.17° (0–10°) and a mean flexion of 98.26 (70–120°). These patients were all satisfied with their outcome. Our results show a high successful rate of elimination of infection when a two-stage revision is used for infected knee prosthesis with over 80% of patients free of infection

Background. Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is a rare, destructive process affecting the bones and joints of feet in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The aetiology of Charcot remains unknown, although it has been suggested that it is triggered by the occurrence of inflammation in the foot of a susceptible individual, and that the inflammation results in increased osteoclastic activity. Hypothesis. The increased bone turnover in acute Charcot is associated with increased concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines, related signalling peptides and bone turnover markers. Methods. 17 patients newly presenting with acute Charcot in diabetes and 16 non-diabetic patients without neuropathy undergoing elective forefoot surgery provided informed consented to participate. Samples of bone were taken by needle biopsy, and were stained with H&E to determine bone architecture and bone remodelling. Serum ALP, CTX, OPG and sRANKL TNF, IL1-beta, IL6 and CRP were measured by immunoassay. Blood was taken from the dorsal foot vein of both the affected and the unaffected foot, as well as an antecubital vein. Results. Classic histopathology features of fracture and bone remodelling were evident in Charcot bone biopsies. Systemic circulating concentrations in the Charcot group antecubital vein for both IL6 and OPG were significantly greater than in controls (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the dorsal vein concentrations of any analyte when the affected and unaffected feet were compared. However, in patients with an acute Charcot foot the concentration of OPG, ALP and CTX was higher in sera from the dorsal vein of affected foot when compared to controls (p<0.05), this difference was highly significant for IL6 (p<0.001). Conclusion. The elevation in CTX observed in the affected foot in patients with an acute Charcot foot reflects the bone breakdown and remodelling which is present. The higher circulating concentration of IL-6 in the Charcot patient group, reflects the inflammation which is present and which is thought to be central to the development of the condition. Although OPG values were significantly greater in Charcot than control group, circulating concentrations of OPG are known to be higher in diabetes

Discitis in childhood is rare. It can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in the younger child, often leading to a delay in initiation of appropriate treatment. It is not known whether it represents an infective or an inflammatory process. Our aim was to review all cases treated at a regional children's hospital since the introduction of the departmental database. A retrospective review (64,058 cases), for the period 1990-2008 was performed. 12 cases were identified (3 male/9 female), with a biphasic age distribution; eight [mean 22 months old (12-32)] and four [mean 12 years old (11-13)]. Mean time to diagnosis from onset was 22 days, (5-49). Symptoms varied with age, no one less than 28 months complained of back pain, while all over 28 months did, to a varying degree. All the younger children presented primarily with a gait abnormality. 92% (11/12) were apyrexial on admission. WBC and CRP were normal in 83% (10/12). Venous blood cultures were negative in 89% (8/9). Only ESR was mildly raised, mean 30 (10-65). Radiographs showed loss of intervertebral disc height in 91% (10/11), earliest by 10 days following onset symptoms, mean 28 days. A technetium bone scan was performed in 42% (5/12) and an MRI of the lumbar spine, in 58% (7/12). All were positive for discitis. All occurred in the lumbar spine, 50% at L3/4. Antibiotics were used in 11/12 (92%), flucloxacillin alone in the majority 9/11. One had non-steroidal medication alone. No form of brace was used. Mean follow-up was 13.3 months (2-36). In all, symptoms had resolved by mean 6.5 weeks (2-12). No recurrence was noted. The common features of childhood discitis are presented; knowledge of these may aid the physician to come to a more rapid diagnosis of this uncommon paediatric condition

Summary. Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is an uncommon but severe spinal infection. In majority of cases treatment is based on intravenous antibiotics and rigid brace immobilization. Posterior percutaneous spinal instrumentation is a safe alternative procedure in relieving pain, preventing deformity and neurological compromise. Introduction. Pyogenic spondylodiscitis (PS) is an uncommon but severe spinal infection. Patients affected by a non-complicated PS and treatment is based on intravenous antibiotics and rigid brace immobilization with a thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) suffices in most cases in relieving pain, preventing deformity and neurological compromise. Since January 2010 we started offering patients percutaneous posterior screw-rod instrumentation as alternative approach to TLSO immobilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of posterior percutaneous spinal instrumentation for single level lower thoracic (T9-T12) or lumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Materials and Methods. Retrospective cohort analysis on 27 patients diagnosed with PS who were offered to choose between 24/7 TLSO rigid bracing for 3 to 4 months and posterior percutaneous screw-rod instrumentation bridging the infection level followed by soft bracing for 4 weeks after surgery. All patients underwent antibiotic therapy. Fifteen patients chose conservative treatment, 12 patients chose surgical treatment. Patients were seen at 1, 3, 6, 9 months after diagnosis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count were measured at each follow-up visit. Segmental kyphosis was measured at diagnosis and at 9 months. VAS, SF-12, and EQ-5D questionnaires were recorded at each follow-up visit. Baseline groups’ demographic characteristics were assessed using independent sample t-tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for frequency variables. Results. Complete healing was achieved in all patients, no difference was observed in healing time between the two groups (77.3±7.2 days vs 80.2±4.4). Instrumentation failure and screw loosening was not observed in any patient. In both group CRP and ESR decreased accordingly with response to antibiotic therapy. Surgically treated patients had significantly lower VAS scores at 1 month (3.05±0.57 in surgery group vs 5.20±1.21 in TLSO group) and 3 months (2.31±0.54 in surgery group vs 2.85±0.55 in TLSO group) post-diagnosis. Both groups had similar trends toward fast recovery in both mental (MCS) and physical components (PCS) of SF-12 questionnaire, surgically treated patients showed steeper and statistically significative improvement at 1 month (37.83±4.57 MCS in surgery group vs 24.52±3.03 MCS in TLSO group and 35.46±4.43 PCS in surgery group vs 27.07±4.45 PCS in TLSO group, p<0.001), 3 months (52.94±3.82 MCS in surgery group vs 39.45±4.92 MCS in TLSO group and 44.93±3.73 PCS in surgery group vs 35.33±6.44 PCS in TLSO group, p<0.001), and 6 months (54.93±3.56 MCS in surgery group vs 49.99±5.82 MCS in TLSO group) post-diagnosis, no statistically significant differences were detected at the other time points (9 months post-diagnosis). EQ-5D index was significantly higher in surgery patients at 1 month (0.764±0.043 in surgery group vs 0.458±0.197 in TLSO group) and 3 months (0.890±0.116 in surgery group vs 0.688±0.142 in TLSO group); no statistically significant changes were observed in segmental kyphosis between the two groups. Conclusion. Posterior percutaneous spinal instrumentation is a safe, feasible, and effective procedure in relieving pain, preventing deformity and neurological compromise. Surgical stabilization was associated with faster recovery, lower pain scores, and improved quality of life compared with TLSO conservative treatment at 1 and 3 months after diagnosis

We have designed a prospective study to evaluate the usefulness of prolonged incubation of cultures from sonicated orthopaedic implants. During the study period 124 implants from 113 patients were processed (22 osteosynthetic implants, 46 hip prostheses, 54 knee prostheses, and two shoulder prostheses). Of these, 70 patients had clinical infection; 32 had received antibiotics at least seven days before removal of the implant. A total of 54 patients had sonicated samples that produced positive cultures (including four patients without infection). All of them were positive in the first seven days of incubation. No differences were found regarding previous antibiotic treatment when analysing colony counts or days of incubation in the case of a positive result. In our experience, extending incubation of the samples to 14 days does not add more positive results for sonicated orthopaedic implants (hip and knee prosthesis and osteosynthesis implants) compared with a conventional seven-day incubation period.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1001–6.

We used a biodegradable mesh to convert an acetabular defect into a contained defect in six patients at total hip replacement. Their mean age was 61 years (46 to 69). The mean follow-up was 32 months (19 to 50). Before clinical use, the strength retention and hydrolytic in vitro degradation properties of the implants were studied in the laboratory over a two-year period. A successful clinical outcome was determined by the radiological findings and the Harris hip score.

All the patients had a satisfactory outcome and no mechanical failures or other complications were observed. No protrusion of any of the impacted grafts was observed beyond the mesh. According to our preliminary laboratory and clinical results the biodegradable mesh is suitable for augmenting uncontained acetabular defects in which the primary stability of the implanted acetabular component is provided by the host bone. In the case of defects of the acetabular floor this new application provides a safe method of preventing graft material from protruding excessively into the pelvis and the mesh seems to tolerate bone-impaction grafting in selected patients with primary and revision total hip replacement.