Open limb fractures are typically due to a high energy trauma. Several recent studied have showed treatment's superiority when a multidisciplinary approach is applied. World Health Organization reports that isolate limb traumas have an incidence rate of 11.5/100.000, causing high costs in terms of hospitalization and patient disability. A lack of experience in soft tissue management in orthopaedics and traumatology seems to be the determining factor in the clinical worsening of complex cases. The therapeutic possibilities offered by microsurgery currently permit simultaneous reconstruction of multiple tissues including vessels and nerves, reducing the rate of amputations, recovery time and preventing postoperative complications. Several scoring systems to assess complex limb traumas exist, among them: NISSSA, MESS, AO and Gustilo Anderson. In 2010, a further scoring system was introduced to focus open fractures of all locations: OTA-OFC. Rather than using a single composite score, the OTA-OFC comprises five components grades (skin, arterial, muscle, bone loss and contamination), each rated from mild to severe. The International Consensus Meeting of 2018 on musculoskeletal infections in orthopaedic surgery identified the OTA-OFC score as an efficient catalogue system with interobserver agreement that is comparable or superior to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. OTA-OFC predicts outcomes such as the need for adjuvant treatments or the likelihood of early amputation. An orthoplastic approach reconstruction must pay adequate attention to bone and soft tissue infections management. Concerning bone management: there is little to no difference in terms of infection rates for Gustilo-Anderson types I–II treated by reamed intramedullary nail, circular external fixator, or unreamed intramedullary nail. In Gustilo-Anderson IIIA-B fractures, circular external fixation appears to provide the lowest infection rates when compared to all other fixation methods. Different technique can be used for the reconstruction of bone and soft tissue defects based on each clinical scenario. Open fracture management with fasciocutaneous or muscle flaps shows comparable outcomes in terms of bone healing, soft tissue coverage, acute infection and chronic osteomyelitis prevention. The type of flap should be tailored based on the type of the defect, bone or soft tissue, location, extension and depth of the defect, size of the osseous gap, fracture type, and orthopaedic implantation. Local flaps should be considered in low energy trauma, when skin and soft tissue is not traumatized. In high energy fractures with bone exposure, muscle flaps may offer a more reliable reconstruction with fewer flap failures and lower reoperation rates. On exposed fractures several studies report precise timing for a proper reconstruction. Hence, timing of soft tissue coverage is a critical for length of in-hospital stay and most of the early postoperative complications and outcomes. Early coverage has been associated with higher union rates and lower complications and infection rates compared to those reconstructed after 5-7 days. Furthermore, early reconstruction improves flap survival and reduces surgical complexity, as microsurgical free flap procedures become more challenging with a delay due to an increased pro-thrombotic environment, tissue edema and the increasingly friable vessels. Only those patients presenting to facilities with an actual dedicated orthoplastic trauma service are likely to receive definitive treatment of a severe open fracture with tissue loss within the established parameters of good practice. We conclude that the surgeon's experience appears to be the decisive element in the orthoplastic approach, although reconstructive algorithms may assist in decisional and planification of surgery

Radial head fractures are among the most common fractures around the elbow. Radial head arthroplasty is one of the surgical treatment options after complex radial head fractures. This surgery is usually done under general anaesthesia. However, there is a recent anaesthetic technique - wide awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) - that has proven useful in different surgical settings, such as in distal radius or olecranon fractures. It allows a good haemostatic control without the use of a tourniquet and allows the patient to actively collaborate during the surgical procedure. Furthermore, there are no side effects or complications caused by the general anaesthesia and there's an earlier patient discharge. The authors present the case of a seventy-six-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department after a fall from standing height with direct trauma to the left elbow. The radiological examination revealed a complete intra-articular comminuted fracture of the radial head (Mason III). Clinical management: The patient was submitted to surgery with radial head arthroplasty, using WALANT. The surgery was successfully completed without pain. There were no intra or immediate post-operative complications and the patient was discharged on the same day. Six weeks after surgery, the patient had almost full range of motion and was very pleased with the functional outcome, with no limitations on her activities of daily living. The use of WALANT has been expanded beyond the hand and wrist surgery. It is a safe and simple option for patients at high risk of general anaesthesia, allowing similar surgical outcomes without the intraoperative and postoperative complications of general anaesthesia and permitting an earlier hospital discharge. Furthermore, it allows the patient to actively collaborate during the surgery, providing the surgeons the opportunity to evaluate active mobility and stability, permitting final corrections before closing the incision

Objectives. Pilon fractures represent one of the most surgically challenging fractures in orthopaedics. Different techniques exist for their management, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and External fixation (Ex-Fix) the most widely used. Whilst there is a plethora of data regarding these strategies for Pilon fractures as a whole, very limited data exists solely on the management of open Pilon fractures. This study aimed to elucidate how surgical management options can influence postoperative complications, and if this can influence future management protocols. Materials and methods. We conducted a search in PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL for postoperative complications and functional outcomes in open pilon fractures in those treated with Ex-Fix vs ORIF (PROSPERO-CRD42020184213). The postoperative complications measured included non-union, mal-union, delayed union, bone grafting, amputation, osteoarthritis, deep infection and superficial infection. Functional outcomes in the form of the AOFAS score was also measured where possible. We were able to carry out a meta-analysis for both deep infections and non-unions. Results. The search yielded 309 results and a total of 18 studies consisting of 484 patients were included. All fractures included were open, and consisted of 64 Gustilo-Anderson Type I, 148 Type II, 103 Type IIIa, 90 Type IIIb and 9 Type IIIc. 60 Type III fractures could not be further separated and 12 were ungraded. Both ORIF and Ex-Fix were found to have statistically similar AOFAS scores (p=0.682). For all included studies, the Ex-Fix group had significantly higher rates of superficial infections (p=0.001), non-unions (p=0.001), osteoarthritis (p=0.001) and bone grafting (p=0.001). The meta-analysis found no significant difference in non-union (pooled OR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.03 to 2.24, p = 0.44) or deep infection rates (pooled OR=1.35, 95% CI: 0.11 to 16.69, p = 0.12) between the ORIF and Ex-fix groups. Conclusion. Based on our study, while Ex-Fix and ORIF have similar functional outcomes, Ex-Fix appears to have a significantly higher risk of postoperative complications which must be considered by surgeons when choosing surgical management options. Further research, ideally in a randomised control trial format, is required to definitively demonstrate ORIF superiority in the management of open pilon fractures

The purpose of this study is to enhance massive bone allografts osseointegration used to reconstruct large bone defects. These allografts show >50% complication rate requiring surgical revision in 20% cases. A new protocol for total bone decellularisation exploiting the vasculature can offer a reduction of postoperative complication by annihilating immune response and improving cellular colonization/ osseointegration. The nutrient artery of 18 porcine bones - humerus/femur/radius/ulna - was cannulated. The decellularization process involved immersion and sequential perfusion with specific solvents over a course of one week. Perfusion was realized by a peristaltic pump (mean flow rate: 6ml/min). The benefit of arterial perfusion was compared to a control group kept in immersion baths without perfusion. Bone samples were processed for histology (HE, Masson's trichrome and DAPI for cell detection), immunohistochemistry (IHC : Collagen IV/elastin for intraosseous vascular system evaluation, Swine Leukocyte Antigen – SLA for immunogenicity in addition to cellular clearance) and DNA quantification. Sterility and solvent residues in the graft were also evaluated with thioglycolate test and pH test respectively. Compared to native bones, no cells could be detected and residual DNA was <50ng/mg dry weight. Intramedullary spaces were completely cleaned. IHC showed the preservation of intracortical vasculature with channels bounded by Collagen IV and elastin within Haversian systems. IHC also showed a significant decrease in SLA signaling. All grafts were sterile at the last decellularization step and showed no solvent residue. The control group kept in immersion baths, paired with 6 perfused radii/ulnae, showed that the perfusion is mandatory to ensure complete decellularisation. Our results prove the effectiveness of a new concept of total bone decellularisation by perfusion. These promising results could lead to a new technique of Vascularized Composite Allograft transposable to pre-clinical and clinical models

Introduction. The main postoperative complications in fixation of ulna shaft fractures are non-union and implant irritation using currently recommended 3.5-mm locking compression plates. An alternative approach using a combination of two smaller plates in orthogonal configuration has been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of a single 3.5-mm locking compression plate versus double plating using one 2.5-mm and one 2.0-mm mandible plate in a human ulna shaft fracture model. Method. Eight pairs human ulnar specimens with a standardized 10-mm fracture gap were pairwise assigned for instrumentation with either a single 3.5-mm plate placed posteriorly, or for double plating using a 2.5-mm and a 2.0-mm mandible plate placed posteriorly under the flexor muscles and laterally under the extensor muscles. All constructs were initially non-destructively biomechanically tested in axial compression, torsion, and bending, which was followed by cyclic torsional loading to failure. Interfragmentary movements were monitored by means of optical motion tracking. Result. There were no significant differences between the two plating techniques for axial stiffness (p=0.335), torsional stiffness in supination (p=0.462), torsional stiffness in pronation (p=0.307), medio-lateral bending stiffness (p=0.522), and antero-posterior bending stiffness (p=0.143). During cyclic torsional loading over the first 3000 cycles, there were no significant differences between the two plating techniques for shear displacement across the fracture gap, p=0.324. The numbers of cycles until clinically relevant failure of 5° angular deformation were 1366±685 for double plating and 2024±958 for single plating, which was statistically non-significantly different, p>0.05. The constructs treated with both plating techniques failed due to bone breakage at the most distal screw. Conclusion. From a biomechanical perspective double plating of ulna shaft fractures using a 2.5-mm and a 2.0-mm locking mandible plate demonstrated equivalent fixation strength as conventional plating using a single 3.5-mm locking compression plate

Abstract. Objectives. There is still controversy in the literature over whether Cervical Foraminotomy or Anterior Cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is best for treating cervical Radiculopathy. Numerous studies have focused on the respective complication rates of these procedures and outcome measures with a lack of due consideration to preoperative MRI findings. Proximal foraminal stenosis can theoretically be accessed via either approach. We aimed to investigate whether patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) favoured one approach over the other in patients with proximal foraminal stenosis. Methods. A single centre retrospective review of patients undergoing either ACDF or Cervical foraminotomy over the period 2012 to 2022. VAS, Neck disability index (NDI), EQ5DL and Patient Satisfaction on a Five Point Likert scale were obtained. Patients who had both an ACDF and a Foraminotomy were excluded. Axial MRI images were analysed and the location of the worst clinically relevant disc herniation stratified as follows: Central (1), Paracentral (2) and Foraminal (3). Correlations and average PROMs were analysed in SPSS. Results. PROMs scores were available for 33 ACDF patients and 37 Foraminotomy patients. Average surgery time in ACDF group was 167 minutes while Foraminotomy 142 minutes. Average Length of hospital stay was 6.24 days in the Foraminotomy group and 3.54 days in the ACDF group. 18 patients were excluded due to having both surgeries (2 of which developed CSF leaks postoperatively). Of the included patients there were no postoperative complications. 13 patients in the ACDF had Central or Paracentral stenosis in addition to proximal Foraminal stenosis, 3 patients in the Foraminotomy group had some significant Paracentral herniation just before the Proximal foramen. The majority of patients in both groups had pure proximal Foraminal stenosis (N= 17 (ACDF), 20 (Foraminotomy). The results showed no significant difference in PROMs between patients who received an ACDF or a Foraminotomy for Proximal foraminal stenosis (EQ5DL, NDI, and satisfaction, P= 0.268, 0.253 and 0.327). There was no correlation between location of the stenosis and PROM scores in either group. Conclusions. Our data suggest that Proximal foraminal stenosis can be effectively addressed by either an anterior ACDF or a Foraminotomy with no difference in complication rates. Foraminotomy has the benefit of no implant cost but longer hospital stay. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Rotator cuff repair has excellent clinical outcomes but continues to be a challenge when it comes to large and massive tears as well as revision procedures. Reported symptomatic retear rates are still too high to be acceptable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a combination of augmentation techniques consisting of microfractures of the greater tuberosity, extracellular matrix (ECM) patch graft and subsequent platelet concentrate (PC) subacromial injections in revision rotator cuff repair. The study was designed as a retrospective comparative study on prospectively collected data from a consecutive cohort of patients. All patients who underwent arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair for symptomatic failure of previous posterosuperior rotator cuff repair were considered eligible for the study. Symptomatic failure had been diagnosed according to clinical examination and confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Structural integrity had been assessed on MRI and classified according to Sugaya classification. Only patients affected by stage IV-V were considered eligible. Tear reparability was confirmed during arthroscopy. Only patients with a minimum 2 years follow-up were included. Patients were divided in two groups. In group 1 (control group) a standard arthroscopic revision and microfractures of the greater tuberosity were performed; in group 2 (experimental group), microfractures of the greater tuberosity and a ECM patch graft were used to enhance tendon repair, followed by postoperative PC injections. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Primary outcome was the Constant-Murley score (CMS) normalized for age and gender. Subjective outcome was assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score in its short version (Quick-DASH). Tendon integrity was assessed with MRI at 6 months after surgery. Comparison between groups for all discrete variables at baseline and at follow-up was carried out with the Student's t-test for normally distributed data, otherwise Mann-Whitney U-test was used. Within-group differences (baseline vs follow-up) for discrete variables were analyzed by paired t-test, or by Wilcoxon signed-rank test in case of data with non-normal distribution. Differences for categorical variables were assessed by chi-squared test. Significance was considered for p values < 0.05. Forty patients were included in the study (20 patients for each group). The mean follow-up was 13 ± 1.6 months. No patients were lost at the follow up. Comparison between groups did not show significant differences for baseline characteristics. At follow-up, mean CMS was 80.7 ± 16.6 points in group 1 and 91.5 ± 11.5 points in group 2 (p= 0.022). Mean DASH score was 28.6 ± 21.6 points in group 1 and 20.1 ± 17.4 points in group 2 (p= 0.178). Post-operative MRI showed 6 healed shoulders in Group 1 and 16 healed shoulders in Group 2 (p<0.004). No postoperative complications were reported in both groups. The combination of microfractures of the greater tuberosity, ECM patch graft, and subsequent PC subacromial injections is an effective strategy in improving tendon healing rate

Surgical microfracture is considered a first line treatment for talar osteochondral defects. Pain reduction, functional improvement and patient satisfaction are described to be 61–86% in both primary and secondary osteochondral defects. However, limited research is available whether improvement of the surgical technique is possible. We do know that the current rigid awls and drills limit the access to all locations in human joints and increase the risk of heat necrosis of bone. Application of a flexible water jet instrument to drill the microfracture holes can improve the reachability of the defect without inducing thermal damage. The aim of this study is to determine whether water jet drilling is a safe alternative compared to conventional microfracture awls by studying potential side effects and perioperative complications, as well as the quality of cartilage repair tissue in a caprine model. 6 mm diameter talar chondral defects were created bilaterally in 6 goats (12 samples). One defect in each goat was treated with microfracture holes created with conventional awls. The contralateral defect was treated with holes created with 5 second water jet bursts at a pressure of 50 MPa. The pressure was generated with a custom-made setup using an air compressor connected to a 300 litre accumulator that powered an air driven high-pressure pump (P160 Resato, Roden, The Netherlands, . www.resato.com. ). Postoperative complications were recorded. After 24 weeks, analyses were performed using the ICRS macroscopic score and the modified O'Driscoll histological score. Wilcoxon ranked sum tests were used to assess significant differences between the two instrument groups using each goat as its own control (p ≤ 0.05). One postoperative complication was signs of a prolonged wound healing with swelling and reluctance to weight bearing starting two days after surgery on the water jet side. Antibiotics were administered which resolved the symptoms. The median total ICRS score for the tali treated with water jets was 9,5 (range: 6–12) and 9 (range 2–11) for Observer 1 and 2 respectively; and for the tali treated conventionally this was 9,5 (range 5–11) and 9 range (2–10). The median total Modified O'Driscoll score for the tali treated with water jets was 15 (range: 7–17) and 13 (range: 3–20) for Observer 1 and 2 respectively; and for the tali treated conventionally was 13 (range: 11–21) and 15 (range: 9–20). No differences were found in complication rate or repair tissue quality between the two techniques. The results suggest that water jet drilling can be a safe alternative for conventional microfracture treatment. Future research and development will include the design of an arthroscopic prototype of the water jet drill. The focus will be on stability in nozzle positioning and minimized sterile saline consumption to further the decrease the risk of soft tissue damage

Introduction and Objective. Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that poorer outcomes could be associated with non-weight bearing protocols and immobilisation. Traditional non-weight bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the complication rate and functional outcomes of early weight-bearing (EWB) versus late weight-bearing (LWB) following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled trials and comparative cohort studies. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched inclusive of all date up to the search time. We included all studies that investigated the effect of weight-bearing following adults ankle fracture fixation by any means. All ankle fracture types, including isolated lateral malleolus fractures, isolated medial malleolus fractures, bi-malleolar fractures, tri-malleolar fractures and Syndesmosis injuries, were included. All weight-bearing protocols were considered in this review, i.e. immediate weight-bearing (IMW) within 24 hours of surgery, early weight-bearing (EWB) within three weeks of surgery, non-weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks from the surgery date (or late weight-bearing LWB). Studies that investigated mobilisation but not weight-bearing, non-English language publications and tibial Plafond fractures were excluded from this systematic review. We assessed the risk of bias using ROB 2 tools for randomised controlled trials and ROBINS-1 for cohort studies. Data extraction was performed using Covidence online software and meta-analysis by using RevMan 5.3. Results. After full-text review, fourteen studies (871 patients with a mean age ranged from 35 to 57 years) were deemed eligible for this systematic review; ten randomised controlled trials and four comparative cohort studies. Most of the included studies were rated as having some concern with regard to the risk of bias. There is no important difference in the infection rate between protected EWB and LWB groups (696 patients in 12 studies). The risk ratio (RR) is 1.30, [95% CI 0.74 to 2.30], I. 2. = 0%, P = 0.36). Other complications were rare. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the widely used patient-reported outcome measure after ankle fracture fixation among the studies. The result of the six weeks OMAS analysis (three RCTs) was markedly in favour of the early weight-bearing group (MD = 10.08 [95% CI 5.13 to 15.02], I. 2. = 0%P = <0.0001). Conclusions. The risk of postoperative complications is an essential factor when considering EWB. We found that the overall incidence of surgical site infection was 6%. When comparing the two groups, the incidence was 5.2% and 6.8% for the LWB and EWB groups. This difference is not clinically important. On the other hand, significantly better early functional outcome scores were detected in the EWB group. These results are not without limitations. Protected early weight-bearing following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures is potentially safe and improve short-term functional outcome. Further good-quality randomised controlled trials would be needed before we could draw a more precise conclusion

Introduction. Aged trauma patients with proximal femur fractures are prone to various complications. They may be associated with their comorbidities which also need to be adressed. These complications limit the patient”s postoperative health status and subsequently their activity and independency. As an attempt to improve the postoperative management of aged hip fracture patients a better understanding of the postoperative condition in these patients is necessary. Therefore, this meta-analysis is intended to provide an overview of postoperative complications in the elderly hip fracture patients and to improve the understanding of an adequate postoperative management. Material and method. Medline was used to screen for studies reporting on the complication rates of hip fracture patients > 65 years. The search criteria were: “proximal femur fracture, elderly, complication”. In addition to surgical studies, internal medicine and geriatric studies were also included. Randomized studies, retrospective studies as well as observation studies were included. Furthermore, reoperation rates as well as treatment-related complications were recorded. The 1-year mortality was calculated as outcome parameter. Results. Overall 54 studies were enrolled, published between 2011 and 2016. The mean age of the 9812 patients was 81 years (65–99 years). Follow-up was at least one year. The reoperation rate after osteosynthesis of pertrochanteric femur fractures was 8.7%. The reoperation rate was dependent on the type of fracture and the surgical method. Pneumonia (9,5%) and urinary tract infections (27%) were the most common postoperative infections. With 23%, delirium was one of the most common medical complications. The 1-year mortality rate was 18.7%. Conclusion. Orthogeriatric patients represent a complex patient population. Addressing the special needs of elderly patients reduces postoperative complications. Establishing comanagement or orthogeriatric wards can also be helpful to manage comorbidities and postoperative complications. It is important to not only choose the proper surgical procedure but to monitor orthogeriatric patients closely during their hospitalization

Abstract. Objective. To compare the clinical and radiological outcome between less invasive stabilization system (LISS, Synthes, Paoli, PA.) and open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of extraarticular proximal tibia fractures through the lateral approach. Background. Proximal tibial fractures present a difficult treatment challenge with historically high complication rates. ORIF has been in vogue for long time with good outcome. But these are associated with problems especially overlying skin conditions, delayed recovery and rehabilitation with limited functional outcome. LISS is an emerging procedure for the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. It preserves soft tissue and the periosteal circulation, which promotes fracture healing. Patients and methods. Thirty patients with closed proximal tibial fractures were included in this study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (n=15) patients were treated by LISS and group II (n=15) by ORIF. Major characteristics of the two groups were similar in terms of age, sex, mode of injury, fracture location, and associated injuries. All patients were followed up at least 6 months. Results. In each group, 12 patients were united, 2 patients were non- united and one patient showed delayed union. The mean operative time in LISS patients was 79.3 min, while in ORIF patients; it was 122 min. All patients of LISS group were exposed to radiation, while only 40% of ORIF group were exposed. The mean time of union of LISS patients was 10.87weeks. While in ORIF patients, the mean time of union was 21.13 weeks. There was no significant difference between both groups regarding the postoperative complications. Functional outcome was satisfactory in both groups. Conclusion. LISS achieves comparable results with ORIF in extraarticular fractures of the proximal tibia. Although LISS potentially has the radiation hazard, it reduces the perioperative complications with a shortened operation time and minimal soft tissue dissection. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Object. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the management and outcome of patients with neck of femur fractures. Methods. Data was collected for 96 patients with neck of femur fractures who presented to the emergency department between March 1, 2020 and May 15, 2020. This data set included information about their COVID-19 status. Parameters including inpatient complications, hospital quality measures, mortality rates, and training opportunities were compared between the COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative groups. Furthermore, our current cohort of patients were compared against a historical control group of 95 patients who presented with neck of femur fractures before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results. Seven (7.3%) patients were confirmed COVID positive by RT-PCR testing. The COVID positive cohort, when compared to the COVID negative cohort, had higher rates of postoperative complications (71.4% vs 25.9%), increased length of stay (30.3 days vs 12 days) and quicker time to surgery (0.7 days vs 1.3 days). The 2020 cohort compared to the 2019 cohort, had an increased 30-day mortality rate (13.5% vs 4.2%), increased number of delayed cases (25% vs 11.8%) as well as reduced training opportunities for Orthopaedic trainees to perform the surgery (51.6% vs 22.8%). Conclusions. COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the care and outcome of neck of femur fracture patients during the pandemic with an increase in 30-day mortality rate. There were profound adverse effects on patient management pathways and outcomes while also affecting training opportunities

Preoperative planning for Total Hip Arthroplasty has been acknowledged as a vital step to facilitate a successful outcome. Templating ascertains the dimensions and positioning of the implants, minimizing both intraoperative and postoperative complications. The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of digital templating to acetate templating in the preoperative planning of Total Hip Arthroplasty. Preoperative planning was performed on 40 consecutive patients (mean age = 70.5 years), undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty. Digital templating was performed by the Hip fellow 1, using Orthoview software (Jacksonville, FL, USA) and recorded the sizes of the cup and stem for each of the 40 patients. Subsequently, the same 40 patients were templated by Hip fellow 2, with X-rays done with a lead marker of known size by the side of the femur, using, acetate templating method. Templating results were compared to the actual sizes of the implants used, as noted in operative notes. Templating scores for the acetabular cup were 40% (16/40) with digital templating and 50% (20/40) with acetate templating. The templating scores for stem were 28% (11/40) with digital templating and 90% (36/40) with acetate templating. The differences between templating and actual implant sizes were plotted in Bland–Altman plot. Acetate templating proved to be statistically, significantly more accurate than digital templating (p value= 0.0083). Our results indicate that the traditional acetate method is solid and valid to use for preoperative planning. This method is accurate and offers a more affordable option for preoperative templating. Although the templated size is one, there is a tendency to increase cup size to use bigger heads, which is the recent National Joint Registries trend. We recommend that acetate templating should be used as the default option

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) implants have become the standard for younger patients on account of increased implant survivorship and multiple other advantages. Nevertheless, uncemented THA remains controversial in elderly patients. The evidence base for this is limited, as previous studies have compared octogenarians to a younger control group. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the outcome of octogenarian patients undergoing uncemented THA with a control group of similarly aged patients undergoing hybrid THA with a minimum 5 years follow up. Clinical outcomes including intra and postoperative complications, blood transfusion, revision rate and mortality were recorded. Radiological analysis of pre and postoperative radiograph assessed bone quality, implant fixation and any subsequent loosening. 143 patients, (mean age 86.2 yrs.) were enrolled in the study. 76 patients underwent uncemented THA and 67 underwent hybrid THA. The uncemented cohort had fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications. The uncemented cohort also had a lower transfusion rate (p=0.002). Mean hospital stay (p=0.27) was comparable between the 2 groups. Two patients underwent revision surgery in either cohort. Our study demonstrates uncemented THA is safe for the octogenarian patient and we recommend that age should be not be a barrier of choice of implant. However intraoperative assessment of bone quality should guide surgeon to the optimum decision regarding uncemented and hybrid implant

The influence of rigid fixation and permanent compression on the results, the timing of fusion and rehabilitation after fractures of the femoral neck was investigated. A hip fracture is 60–80% of all fractures of the proximal femur. Despite recent advances in the treatment of this disease, the percentage of unsatisfactory outcomes as high as 25–35%. The choice of surgical treatment in femoral neck fractures in the elderly remains as controversial as it was almost 50 years ago when Speed called him as “the unsolved fracture. Hip replacement is currently the gold standard in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. But compared with the osteosynthesis operation takes more time, is accompanied by massive blood loss, sometimes the need for transfusion and a higher risk of deep wound infection. Given these facts the best is an indoor low-traumatic method of osteosynthesis locking. Compare of the results of femoral neck fractures using of osteosynthesis 3 blade nail, spongious screws and nail for permanent compression. A retrospective analysis of treatment of 252 patients from 1982 to 2015 with subcapitale and transcervical fractures of the femoral neck on the basis “RCTO named by H.J. Makazhanova”. In the research locales patients older than 40 years. All patients were divided according to the applied method of treatment: 1 group of 95 patients operated using a 3-blade-nail, in the 2nd group of 105 patients operated on spongious screws, in the 3 group of 52 patients operated nail for the permanent compression, authoring. All patients underwent x-ray examination before and after surgery. The average period from time of injury before performing the osteosynthesis amounted to 4–7 days. The follow-up period was 6–12 months. The results obtained clinically and radiographically divided into good, satisfactory, poor. Good and satisfactory results were regarded as positive, and poor results as negative. The average age of patients was 67.5 years. Among these female patients − 174 (69%), the male − 78 (31%). Traumatization more prone to elderly accounting for 206 (81.7%) cases, and only 46 (18.3%) in the middle age group. Analysis of the results of treatment showed positive results in 1 group − 69.5 %, in group 2 − 83.8 %, in group 3 − 96.2 %. In the first group of 29 (31.5 %) and in the second group of 17 (16.2 %) patients have postoperative complications: secondary displacement, nail migration, pseudarthrosis, necrosis of head. The patients of third group have postoperative complications in 2 cases (3.8 %): displacement of bone fragments according of retraumatization. Employability was restored in 1 group − 7–9 months, in group 2 - in 6–8 months, 3 group - through 6–6.5 months. 1). The method of choice for fresh fractures of the femoral neck, especially subcapital fractures in the elderly, is a minimally invasive method of closed compression osteosynthesis. 2). Comparative analysis of treatment results showed that for the consolidation and subcapital transcervical femoral neck fractures can provide rigid fixation of bone fragments. 3). The use of permanent compression is the best method, which shortens the period of consolidation

Latarjet procedure (transfer of coracoid process to the anterior glenoid rim) has been widely used for severe anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intraarticular stress distribution after this procedure to clarify the pathomechanism of its postoperative complications. CT-DICOM data of the contralateral healthy shoulder in 10 patients with unilateral anterior shoulder instability (9 males and 1 female, age: 17–49) was used for the present study. Three-dimensional finite element models of the glenohumeral joint was developed using software, Mechanical Finder (RCCM, Japan). In each shoulder, a 25% bony defect was created in the anterior glenoid cavity, where coracoid process was transferred using two half-threaded screws. The arm position was determined as 0-degree and 90-degree abduction. While medial margin of the scapula was completely constrained, a standard compressive load (50 N) toward the centre of the glenoid was applied to the lateral wall of the greater tuberosity. A tensile load (20N) was also applied to the tip of coracoid process along the direction of conjoint tendon. Then, elastic analysis was performed, and the distribution pattern of Drucker-Prager equivalent stress was investigated in each model. The proximal half of the coracoid represented significantly lower equivalent stress than the distal half (p < 0.05). In particular, the lowest mean equivalent stress was seen in its proximal-medial-superficial part. On the other hand, a high stress concentration newly appeared in the antero-inferior aspect of the humeral head exactly on the site of coracoid bone graft. We assumed that the reduction of mean equivalent stress in the proximal half of the coracoid was caused by the stress shielding, which may constitute one of the pathogenetic factors of its osteolysis. A high stress concentration in the humeral head may eventually lead shoulder joint to osteoarthritis

Keywords. Complete Abductor Detachament, Direct Lateral Approach, Abductor Insuffenciency, Hip Arthroplasty. Backgroung. Approach of Total hip replacement (THR) is a very important part of the surgery, the approach dictates the postoperative complications. Lateral approach is one of the most commonly used approaches. The initial lateral approach relied on bony (trochanteric) osteotomy which was later modified to tendon detachment, there are many versions of the lateral approach but the main goal is to detach the hip abductors mechanism to gain access to the underlying joint. One of the modifications is to completely detach the abductors tendon, this offers superior exposure compared to the traditional partial detachment (Hardinge) approach. Objectives. We aimed to perform the first study comparing the complications rate following complete detachment of hip abductors to the documented complications rate of the traditional approach. Study Design & Methods. Retrospective study to evaluate the rate of approach specific complications following complete abductor detachment approach, we included s all patients who had THR using this approach 8–18 months ago. The study group comprised of 44 patients of different age groups and genders. Patients were reviewed to assess gait abnormality, abductor weakness with Trendlenberg test, lateral trochanteric pain (LTP) and heterotopic ossification (H.O). Results. Out of the 44 patients in our study group 20 patients had abductor weakness with positive Trendelnberg test (45.5%) while the reported percentage of abductor weakness following the traditional approach is 4–20%.7 patients (15%) were dissatisfied with the postoperative gait. LTP was reported in 5 patients (11%) compared to 4.9% associated with standard lateral approach. In our series 9 (20.4%) patients had H.O which is within the acceptable range (up to 25%). Conclusions. Complete abductor detachment approach offers better exposure and quicker alternative to the traditional lateral approach of the hip (Hardinge) but on the other hand it has relatively higher complication rate

The study looked at early outcomes of 55 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture with a single variable angle volar locking plate (Variax, Stryker), by a single surgeon (GS), between May 2007 and December 2008. A retrospective review of notes and radiographs was performed. Twenty-nine women and 26 men were included. The mean age was 52 years. Mean follow up time was 3 months. The dominant wrist was involved in 38 patients. The mechanism of injury was of low energy in 38 patients and of high energy in 17 patients. All patients had comminuted fractures and 52 patients had intraarticular fractures. Seven patients underwent intraoperative carpal tunnel decompression. At latest follow up, active wrist motion averaged 37° extension, 40° flexion, 70° pronation, and 56° supination. Grip strength averaged 64% and pinch grip 77% of the contralateral wrist. Postoperative complications included one flexor pollicis longus rupture, one malunion and three patients with loosening of screws. There was a higher rate of complications seen in patients with high energy injuries. These early results suggest that volar plating with a variable angle plate is an effective treatment option, especially for complex intraarticular distal radius fractures. A medium term outcomes study of a larger number of patients is planned