Abstract Background. The treatment of bone and joint infections (BJI) involving multi-drug resistant bacteria remains a challenge. MDR Staphylococcus epidermidis (MDRSE) clones, resistant to methicillin, clindamycin, levofloxacin, rifampicin and even linezolid, have been reported worldwide. The interest of delafloxacin (DFX), theoretically active on MRSA, remains to be evaluated with respect to MDRSE. Purpose. Our objective was to evaluate during a retrospective multicenter study the DFX minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and compare its efficacy between ofloxacin-susceptible and ofloxacin-resistant S. epidermidis clinical strains involved in BJI. Methods. In this multicenter retrospective study (Reference centers from the West part of France, CRIOGO), 529 strains were collected mostly from BJI. DFX MICs were determined by using a 0.5 Mc Farland bacterial inoculum on Mueller-Hinton agar plates with gradient strips incubated for 24h at 35°C. For S. aureus, breakpoints differentiate skin and soft tissue infections from other infections. Breakpoints followed 2022 EUCAST criteria, with S. aureus values adopted for S. epidermidis. Results. Of the 529 strains collected, 355 were from prosthetic infections, 159 from synthetic infections and 15 from non-device infections. 152 strains were susceptible to ofloxacin (110 males vs 42 females) and 377 resistant (210 vs 167). As presented in Figure 1, all the ofloxacin-susceptible strains presented a DFX MIC ≤0.006mg/L. Resistant strains presented a double population distribution, with 3.7% categorized susceptible according to skin and soft tissues infections breakpoint, against 88.9% according to other breakpoint infections (0.016 or 0.25mg/L respectively). Conclusion. DFX shows excellent activity against ofloxacine-susceptible strains. Concerning the ofloxacin-resistant strains, more than 80% strains or less than 10% can be considered as DFX-susceptible depending on the breakpoints used. Further clinical studies are needed to validate the real breakpoints that must be used in MDRSE BJI, allowing a microbiological cure and a favourable clinical outcome. For any tables or figures, please contact the authors directly

Abstract. Objectives. Epiphysiodesis is a commonly used treatment for lower limb angular deformities. However, in recent years, distal tibial growth modulation using ‘eight plates’ or screws has emerged as an alternative treatment for paediatric foot and ankle disorders, such as CTEV. Our objective was to assess the efficacy of distal tibial modulation in correcting various paediatric foot and ankle disorders. Methods. This retrospective study analysed 205 cases of paediatric foot and ankle disorders treated between 2003 and 2022, including only cases where the eight plate or screw was fixed on the anterior surface of the distal tibia. Our aim was to measure post-operative changes in dorsiflexion, the distal tibial angle, and the tibiocalcaneal angle by examining clinical records and radiology reports. Results. We identified nine cases (nine feet) meeting the full inclusion criteria, comprising seven cases of CTEV, one case of arthrogryposis, and one case of cavovarus foot. The cohort consisted of five male and four female patients, with a mean age of 10 years and 9 months at the time of surgery. Seven cases involved the left tibia, and two cases involved the right tibia. The mean time between pre-operative X-ray to surgery was 168 days, and the mean turnaround time between surgery and post-operative X-ray was 588 days. A mean change in the distal tibial angle of 4.33 degrees was noted. However, changes in dorsiflexion were documented in only one case, which showed a change of 13 degrees. Notably, our average distal tibial angle was significantly lower than reported in the literature, at 4.33 degrees. Additionally, some studies in the literature used the Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children to assess pre- and post-operative outcomes, but it is important to note that it is validated only for children aged 5 to 16. Furthermore, most cases reported an improved tibiocalcaneal angle except for an anomaly of 105 degrees. We assessed satisfactory patient outcomes using patient notes. Out of the 6 procured notes, one has been discharged. The rest are still under yearly or 6-monthly review and are at various stages, such as physiotherapy, removing the eight plate, or requiring further surgery. The most common presentations at review are plantaris deformity and pain. Conclusions. Our study suggests that distal tibial growth modulation can be an effective treatment option for selected paediatric foot and ankle disorders. However, due to the limited number of cases in our study, the lack of documentation of changes in dorsiflexion, and a lack of pre- and post-operative outcomes using a standardised method, further research is needed to investigate this procedure's long-term outcomes and potential complications. 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

In reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), a high complication rate is noted in the international literature (24.7%), and limited local literature is available. The complications in our developing health system, with high HIV, tuberculosis and metabolic syndrome prevalence may be different from that in developed health systems where the literature largely emanates from. The aim of this study is to describe the complications and complication rate following RSA in a South African cohort.

An analytical, cross-sectional study was done where all patients’ who received RSA over an 11 year period at a tertiary hospital were evaluated. One-hundred-and-twenty-six primary RSA patients met the inclusion criteria and a detailed retrospective evaluation of their demographics, clinical variables and complication associated with their shoulder arthroplasty were assessed. All fracture, revision and tumour resection arthroplasties were excluded, and a minimum of 6 months follow up was required.

A primary RSA complication rate of 19.0% (24/126) was noted, with the most complications occurring after 90 days at 54.2% (13/24). Instability was the predominant delayed complication at 61.5% (8/13) and sepsis being the most common in the early days at 45.5% (5/11). Haematoma formation, hardware failure and axillary nerve injury were also noted at 4.2% each (1/24).

Keeping in mind the immense difference in socioeconomical status and patient demographics in a third world country the RSA complication rate in this study correlates with the known international consensus. This also proves that RSA is still a suitable option for rotator cuff arthropathy and glenohumeral osteoarthritis even in an economically constrained environment like South Africa.

Previous scientific studies have highlighted how coupling is an important element affecting total hip arthroplasty's survival.

This study aims to evaluate whether metal-on-metal (MOM) coupling could be a statistically significant risk factor.

The data from the regional joint registry (Registro dell'Impiantologia Protesica Ortopedica, RIPO) was used for analysis. The data collection accuracy of this registry was 97.2% in 2017.

We retrospective evaluate all MOM total hip arthroplasties (THAs) implanted in our department between January 01st 2000 and December 31st 2011. We used a control group composed by all other prosthesis implanted in our Department in the same time lapse.

We registered 660 MOM THAs. Mean age of patients was 66.9 years. 603 patients have a >36mm head, while 78 a <36 mm one. Neck modularity was present in half of patients. 676 implants were cementless. We registered 69 revisions, especially due to aseptic mobilization (16 THAs), implant breakage (9 THAs) and periprosthetic fracture (6 THAs).

The MOM THAs overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate was 87.2 at 15 years, and the difference between MOM THAs and other implants two curves is statistically significant (p<0.05). Male sex is a significant risk factors. Further evaluations are in progress to establish the presence of any additional risk factors. We think weight and/or BMI may be included in this category.

Our study confirms the data currently present in the literature regarding a lower survival of metal-on-metal hip prostheses.

The male sex is a statistically significant risk factor (p<0.05), while age, head size and modularity of the prosthetic neck are not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Any new finds will be presented at the congress venue.

Sepsis following total knee replacement (TKR) is a disastrous complication. The knee arthrodesis comes as the final solution to solve the chronic infection after multiple failed surgeries. Our objective was to review these procedures performed in our institution for the past 20 years. We present a retrospective study with 5 cases of severe unsolved knee infection after TKR, who have been finally submitted to knee arthrodesis performed between 1993 and 2008. The patients are 4 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 62 years (ranging from 55 to 74 years) at the time of surgery. They presented MRSA infection (3 cases), P aeruginosa infection (1 case) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (1 case). The average follow up was 25 months (between 12–48 months). The Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) value was registered. The mean number of surgeries before the arthrodesis was 3,6. In 4 of the 5 cases the surgeon used an external fixator to achieve the fusion. In the other patient, an intramedullary nail was used. The arthrodesis was performed in a single-time surgery in every patient. All cases achieved knee fusion and the mean time of consolidation was 5,1 months, with the longest being 8 months until fusion. No bone graft was used in any of these cases, and the mean size of leg length discrepancy was 2,8 cm. The average VAS was 3,6. In one patient with an external fixator there was a relapse of the infection (MRSA infection), but with adequate antibiotic therapy (vancomycin) ended up to resolve. There are no records of any other complication. The knee arthrodesis appears as last but useful resort in extreme cases of relapse infection after a TKR and multiple unsuccessful surgeries. Although it comprises an elevated level of morbidity, it also seems to allow to heal difficult and multi resistant infections and with few complications

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of low-grade infections in total hip arthroplasty revisions and the clinical outcomes after two-time revision surgery. Retrospective study of total hip arthroplasty revision surgery between January of 2012 and December of 2013. Inclusion criteria: two-time revision surgery, PCR (pre and post-op) white blood cells count and microbiological culture. The diagnosis of low-grade infection was based on the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ (AAOS) guidelines. All patients were evaluated with the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Between this period were revised a total of 79 hips, none of them bilateral, of these fourteen full-filled the inclusion criteria, eight women and six men. The mean time between primary arthroplasty and revision surgery was 4.5 years. The interface was metal-on-polyethilene in thirteen and metal-on-metal in one. All patients had at least three episodes at the urgency department with permanent hip pain in the last six months. Ten have done a course of antibiotics previous to surgery. Intra-articular pus was present in four patients. The agent isolated was S. Aureus in five and S. Epidermidis in two. An elevated PCR and leucocytosis was present in all patients. The mean PCR was 18.1 and leucocytes countage 7600. The HHS was good in four patients, fair in seven patients and poor in three. These three patients with poor had another surgical intervention due to recurrent dislocation. Periprosthetic joint infection is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The incidence is approximately 1% after primary replacement and about 4% revision arthroplasty. As stated by Hanssen successful treatment outcomes require precise assessment of the infecting organism, the immune status of the patient, and the condition of the bone and soft tissues around the joint. With this study we tried to establish a protocol in our service: patient with a THA, interface metal-on-polyethilene, persistent coxalgia and elevated PCR will be diagnosed with low-grade infection, however we need further revision of our experience

Purpose. Isolated fractures of femoral condyle in the coronal plane (Hoffa fracture) is rare and is surgically challenging to treat. 44 patients were operated between 2004–2014. The aim was to retrospectively assess the fracture patterns, fixation done and functional outcome. Methods. All injuries resulted from direct trauma to the knee out of which 36 were due to road traffic accidents.38 were closed injuries and the rest open.35 involved lateral condyle, 8 involved medial condyle and one was bicondylar type. All were anatomically reduced with fixation decided based on preoperative radiographs, CT scan and intra-op observation. Early passive motion and isometric exercises were started but kept non-weight bearing for 6–8 weeks. The mean follow up period was five years. Outcomes were measured using Neer's scoring system and International Knee Society Documentation Committee (IKDC) Functional Score. Results. 26 patients had excellent outcome, 14 had satisfactory and 4 had unsatisfactory outcome which corresponded with the specified fracture severity pattern. Uniformly excellent results were obtained in all simple pattern fractures, whereas comminuted fracture patterns were more challenging to treat with variable outcomes. Conclusion. In our retrospective observational study, we found that each fracture had specific pattern which dictated the treatment plan and the prognosis. Subsequently we grouped the fractures and proposed a classification system that would specify the pattern of fracture and dictate the type of fixation preferred. We conclude that therapeutic outcome is significantly affected by the amount of articular surface comminution, posterior cortex comminution, attainment of anatomical reduction and stable fixation

Aim

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devasting complication after total hip arthroplasty. Joint aspiration and preoperative biopsy can be helpful diagnostics for PJI. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of preoperative biopsies after inconclusive or dry tap aspiration of the hip in patients undergoing revision hip arthroplasty. Secondarily we will evaluate the diagnostic value of synovial fluid aspiration cultures and peroperative tissue cultures for diagnosing or ruling out PJI.

Aim

Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) is recommended for acute postoperative and late acute prosthetic joint infection (PJI). There are two recommend scores to predict its outcome, KLIC and CRIME 80 scores respectively. They have not been widely adopted for decision making.

We aim to evaluate them in predicting DAIR failure in our cohort.

Introduction and purpose: Talar fractures are infrequent but are an important cause of morbidity. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of talar fractures treated in our Hospital between 1997 and 2006 (10 years). Results: We collected 44 fractures in 42 patients (37 men and 5 women), with a mean age of 33 years (range: 8–67 years). The cause of the fractures in 40 cases was high-energy trauma and in 4 cases low-energy trauma. The most frequent causes were traffic accidents (29) and falls (8). Mean hospital stay was 14 days. We found 22 neck fractures, which were classified accoding to Hawkins’ scale (10 type I, 9 type II and 3 type III), 19 fractures of the body (7 due to crushing, 5 coronal, 4 osteochondral, 2 sagittal and 1 of the lateral process), and 3 combined neck and body fractures. We did not see any head fractures. We found 5 fracture-dislocations, 2 subtalar fractures associated to a neck fracture and 2 complete dislocations. Nine of the 44 fractures were open (1 grade I, 5 grade II, 2 grade IIIA, 1 grade IIIB). Only 9 of the 42 patients did not have associated lesions. Of those that did have associated lesions, 52% had adjacent lesions and 57% had distant lesions. Twenty-six fractures underwent surgery, 20 with cannulated screws (6 anterograde and 14 retrograde) and 6 with Kirschner wires. Follow-up was carried out in 24 of these patients and the complications seen were 2 osteonecrosis, 5 skin necroses, 12 cases of posttraumatic arthritis, 3 infections, 2 malunions, and 8 cases of intolerance of osteosynthesis material. Hawkins’ sign was assessed in the neck fractures, and osteopenia was found in 6 fractures, none of which developed osteonecrosis. In the 3 patients who did not have osteopenia, 2 ischemic necroses were seen. Conclusions: The rate of osteonecrosis was 13% in the patients followed up, less than that seen in published series. A positive Hawkins’s sign is reassuring as none of the patients with subchondral osteopenia at 6–8 weeks subsequently developed osteonecrosis

Objectives. The efficacy of Gram-stain microscopy for diagnosis of septic arthritis is fundamentally limited by an inherent false-negative rate of 25–50%. The aim of this study was to calculate the sensitivity of Gram-stain microscopy of synovial fluid collected in heparinised containers and to investigate if this collection method improves diagnostic value. Methods. 12-year retrospective study of patients undergoing synovial fluid analysis between 1998 and 2010. Gram-stain result was correlated with culture result and clinical diagnosis. The formula sensitivity = number of true positives/(number of true positives + number of false negatives) was used for analysis. Results. 602 cases of culture proven septic arthritis analysed with Gram-stain microscopy were identified over this time period. All samples were collected in heparinised containers. The most common joint affected was the knee in 390 cases. 568 cases were correctly identified by Gram-stain microscopy as positive and 34 were falsely identified as negative giving a false-negative rate of 5.6%, and a sensitivity value of 94%. Conclusion. This is the largest study investigating the efficacy of Gram-stain microscopy in the literature. We report a sensitivity of 94% for Gram-stain microscopy, far higher than previously reported (50–75%). No direct comparison was made to non-heparinised synovial fluid samples however we hypothesise that anticoagulation of our samples is directly responsible for this increased sensitivity. Based on these findings Gram-stain microscopy of anticoagulated synovial fluid samples is still a valuable investigation for suspected septic arthritis

Aim

The diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a clinical dilemma, since presentations of PJI usually greatly overlap with aseptic failure (AF). The aim of this study is to evaluate the values of plasma fibrinogen, individually or in combination with CRP, ESR and WBC, for distinguishing PJI from AF.

Background. Proximal humeral fractures are common and a minority develop non-union, which can result in pain and disability. We aimed to identify the risk factors and quantify the prevalence of non-union. Methods. A thirteen-year retrospective study of 7039 patients with proximal humeral fractures was performed and a database created. 246 patients with non-union were compared to a control group to identify risk factors. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant variables obtained at presentation to predict non-union. Results. The crude rate of non-union after any proximal humeral fracture is 3.5%, rising to 5.6% after excluding patients with isolated tuberosity fractures or those who underwent primary fixation. 179 patients with non-union were compared to a control group of 295 patients whose fractures healed. There was no significant difference between the groups and the entire study population in terms of age, gender and mechanism of injury. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified 3 significant predictors for non-union: displacement of fracture (p<0.001); having a two-part fracture (p = 0.045); and varus angulation of the humeral head at injury (p<0.001). Conclusions. The prevalence of non-union of proximal humeral fractures (3.2/100,000population/year) is higher than previously appreciated and a modified classification (ongoing) is needed to include the identified risk factors

In the Unites States, approximately 24% of people undergoing primary total knee or total hip arthroplasty (TKA, THA) are chronic opioid users pre-operatively. Few studies have examined the incidence of opioid use prior to TKA/THA and whether it predicts outcomes post-surgery in the Australian context. The aim was to determine: (i) the proportion of TKA and THA patients who use opioids regularly (daily) pre-surgery; (ii) if opioid use pre-surgery predicts (a) complication and readmission rates to 6-months post-surgery, (b) patient-reported outcomes to 6-months post-surgery.

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken utilising linked individual patient-level data from two independent databases comprising approximately 3500 people. Patients had surgery between January 2013 and June 2018, inclusive at Fairfield and Bowral Hospitals.

Following data linkage, analysis was completed on 1185 study participants (64% female, 69% TKA, mean age 67 (9.9)). 30% were using regular opioids pre-operatively. Unadjusted analyses resulted in the following rates in those who were vs were not using opioids pre-operatively (respectively); acute adverse events (39.1% vs 38.6%), acute significant adverse events (5.3% vs 5.7%), late adverse events: (6.9% vs 6.6%), total significant adverse events: (12.5% vs 12.4%), discharge to inpatient rehab (86.4% vs 88.6%), length of hospital stay (5.9 (3.0) vs 5.6 (3.0) days), 6-month post-op Oxford Score (38.8 (8.9) vs 39.5 (7.9)), 6 months post-op EQ-VAS (71.7 (20.2) vs 76.7 (18.2), p<0.001), success post-op described as “much better” (80.2% vs 81.3%).

Adjusted regression analyses controlling for multiple co-variates indicated no significant association between pre-op opioid use and adverse events/patient-reported outcomes.

Pre-operative opioid use was high amongst this Australian arthroplasty cohort and was not associated with increased risk of adverse events post-operatively. Further research is needed in assessing the relationship between the amount of pre-op opioid use and the risk of post-operative adverse events.

Background. Percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) has achieved favorable effects in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH), as a new surgical procedure. With its wide range of applications, a series of complications related to the operation has gradually emerged. Objective. To describe the type, incidence and characteristics of the complications following PEID and to explore preventative and treatment measures. Study Design. Retrospective, observational study. Setting. A spine center affiliated with a large general hospital. Method. In total, 479 cases of patients with LDH received PEID, which was performed by an experienced spine surgeon between January 2010 and April 2013. Data concerning the complications were recorded. Result. All of the 479 cases successfully received the procedure. A total of 482 procedures were completed. The mean follow-up time was 44.3 months, ranging from 24 to 60 months. The average patient age was 47.8 years, ranging from 16 to 76 years. There were 29 (6.0%) related complications that emerged, including 3 cases (0.6%) of fragment omission, and the symptoms gradually eased following 3–6 weeks of conservative treatment; 2 cases (0.4%) of nerve root injury, and the patients recovered well following 1–3 months of taking neurotrophic drugs and functional exercise; 15 cases (3.1%) of paresthesia, and this condition gradually improved following 3–6 weeks of rehabilitation exercises and treatment with mecobalamin and pregabalin; and recurrence occurred in 9 cases (1.9%), and the condition was controlled in 4 of these cases by using a conservative method, while 5 of the cases underwent reoperation, including 3 traditional open surgeries and 2 PEID. Furthermore, the complication rate for the first 100 cases was 16%. This rate decreased to 3.4% (for cases 101–479), and the incidence of L4–5 (8.2%) was significantly higher than L5-S1 (4.5%). Limitations. This is a retrospective study, and some bias exists due to the single-center study design. Conclusion. PEID is a surgical approach, which has a low complication rate. Fragment omission, nerve root injury, paresthesia and recurrence are relatively common. Some effective measures can prevent and reduce the incidence of the complications, such as strict indications for surgery, a thorough action plan and skilled operation skills

This is a retrospective study of 14 cases from clinical records and the Bone Tumour Registry over the last 20 years. The mean follow-up time was 27 months (3 to 60). Two of the cases were referred elsewhere for final treatment and the relevant clinical records were obtained by correspondence with the treating doctor. Most tumours occurred about the knee, with two in the distal femur and five involving the proximal tibial metaphysis. Three were in the forearm and one in the humerus. Once diagnosis had been made on clinical and radiological grounds, the tumours were curetted. Cryosurgery was used in four cases and phenol in two. Structural integrity was restored by autogenous bone grafting in most cases. Two of these were vascularised free grafts. Two patients had arthrodeses (one ischiofemoral and one wrist) and two were referred for custom-made joint replacements. There was only one local recurrence. Of the adverse outcomes, three required late amputations, one for varus malunion and recurrence, and two for nonunion and chronic sepsis. Giant cell tumour of bone has a low rate of recurrence. The treatment challenge is to avoid sepsis and graft collapse. Large bone grafts often fail to incorporate fully, which can lead to angular deformities. A combination of bone cement, reinforced with Ender rods with bone cement to the subchondral surface, promises to be a more satisfactory method in and around the knee

Fractures of the Proximal Femur are a common and disabling injury requiring hospital admission and surgical treatment leading to approximately 86,000 inpatient episodes annually in the UK, with such patients occupying more than 20% of NHS orthopaedic beds. Based on current trends the number of hip fractures may rise to 120,000 per annum by 2015. As the age of the population increases, so does the prevalence of concomitant medical conditions. Atrial Fibrillation is rising in the general population. Recently, the benefit of treating these patients with warfarin to prevent stroke has been shown; as a consequence, the number of patients being treated with warfarin is on the increase. We have performed a retrospective study of all patients admitted to our unit with Fractures of the neck of the femur between 2001 and 2006, from the Accident and Emergency department with a primary diagnosis of Proximal Femoral Fracture (1987 patients). 138 patients were on long term warfarin at the time of their admission (6.9% of admissions). 90.4% were being warfarinised for AF, 7.6% for DVT and the rest for other indications. Of these Patients only 12 (8.7%) received active reversal to their warfarin. (All received vitamin K either orally or Intravenously). The average delay to theatre attributable to warfarin therapy was 41.1 hours (p-0.001). Active reversal allowed this delay to be negated (p-0.01), and did not delay the reloading of warfarin post-operatively (p-0.012). It also allowed an average of 10.2 days earlier discharge from the orthopaedic unit (p-0.001). This study shows that significant delays occur because of Warfarinisation of these patients and that active reversal seems to be beneficial in expediting surgical treatment and discharge from the orthopaedic unit

Background. Surgical wound closure is not the surgeon”s favorite part of the total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery however it has vital rule in the success of surgery. Knee arthoplasty wounds are known to be more prone to infection, breakdown or delayed healing compared to hip arthroplasty wounds, and this might be explained by the increased tensile force applied on the wound with knee movement. This effect is magnified by the enhanced recovery protocols which aim to obtain high early range of movement. Most of the literature concluded that there is no difference between different closure methods. Objectives. We conducted an independent study comparing the complication rate associated with using barbed suture (Quill-Ethicon), Vicryl Rapide (polyglactins910-Ethicon) and skin staples for wound closure following TKA. Study Design & Methods. Retrospective study where the study group included all the patients admitted to our unit for elective primary knee arthroplasty in 2015, we excluded patients admitted for partial knee arthroplasty, revision knee arthroplasty or arthroplasty for treatment of acute trauma due to the relatively higher complication rates. All the patients notes were reviewed to identify wound related problems such as wound dehiscence, wound infection and delayed healing (defined as delayed wound healing more than 6 weeks). Results. 327 patients were included in this study; 151 in Quill group, 99 in staples group and 77 in the last group where the wound closed with Rapide. We identified 9 (5.9%) cases of wound dehiscence in the Quill group, 3 cases of wound dehiscence in each of other two groups (3.8%) with Rapide and (3%) with staples. On the other hand superficial wound infection was higher with staples with 6 (6%) cases of wound infection compared to the other groups, wound infection occurred in 2 patients (2.5%) with Rapide and 5 patients (3.3%) in the Quill”s group. Most of the delayed wound healing happened after using Quill where it is reported in 5 patients (3.3%) and the lowest was in staples group with 1 patient (1%) and slightly higher percentage in Rapide group 2 patients (2.5%). The total figure of wound related problems was the highest in Quill”s group with 19 reported cases (12.5%), lower in staples” group with 10 cases (1.1%) and the lowest in Rapide”s group with 7 cases (9%). Conclusions. Our study showed different results to the reported literature suggesting that each closure method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Quill is quick, knotless and absorbable but on the other side it is significantly more expensive than other alternatives and it is associated with the highest complication rates. On the other hand Rapide is cheap absorbable alternative with the lowest percentage of wound problems but on the negative side it is time consuming. Finally staples method is the quickest, relatively cheap and rarely associated with wound dehiscence but it is not absorbable which might cause inconvenience to patients

Infection of the ankle joint is a serious problem that can have a debilitating outcome if not identified and treated appropriately. The purpose of this retrospective study is to present epidemiologic data aimed at better characterising the clinical diagnosis of septic ankle guiding empiric therapy. All admissions to Los Angeles County+USC Medical Center between 1996 and 2005 were screened to identify patients with ankle infection, shown by a synovial WBC count > 50,000, frank purulence in the joint, or positive synovial culture. Forty-two patients (33 male, 9 female) with a mean age of 44.8 (23 to 67 years) were identified. Twelve out of forty-two patients had indwelling hardware and were excluded from further analysis. Of the 30 patients with hematogenous septic ankle arthritis, 87% reported ankle pain, 70% ankle swelling, and 50% demonstrated decreased range of motion at the ankle joint. Cultures grew Staphylococcus aureus (43%), streptococci (30%), and gram-negative rods (7%). Twenty-three percent of cases were polymicrobial; no cases of Neisseria gonorrhea were identified. There were 3 cases of M. tuberculosis, and 1 case each of Coccidioides immitis and Aspergillus sp. Forty-four percent of the Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA); no change was observed in prevalence of resistant organisms over time. Only 48% had an elevated WBC count; C-reactive protein and ESR were elevated in 100% of patients. Adjacent osteomyelitis was found in 30% of patients. Open irrigation and debridement was performed in 73% of cases; five patients required multiple surgical procedures and 1 amputation. Septic ankle arthritis presents non-specifically; a high index of suspicion is essential to ensure prompt identification and treatment. Empiric antibiotic therapy should cover Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and streptococcus. Patients should be evaluated for adjacent osteomyelitis

Summary Statement. In a retrospective study, FE-based bone strength from CT data showed a greater ability than aBMD to discriminate proximal femur fractures versus controls. Introduction. Personalised Finite Element (FE) models from Computed Tomography (CT) data are superior to bone mineral density (BMD) in predicting proximal femoral strength in vitro [Cody, 1999]. However, results similar to BMD were obtained in vivo, in retrospective classification of generic prevalent fractures [Amin, 2011] and in prospective classification of femoral fractures [Orwoll, 2009]. The aim of this work is to test, in a case-control retrospective study, the ability of a different, validated FE modelling procedure [Schileo, 2008] to: (i) discriminate between groups of proximal femoral fractures and controls; (ii) individually classify fractures and controls. Patients & Methods. 55 women (22 incident low-trauma proximal femur fractures and 33 controls) were enrolled in 3 clinical centres in Emilia Romagna region, Italy. All received a full femoral CT and DXA exams (in acute conditions for fractured cases) with a standardised protocol. Femoral neck aBMD was measured from DXA. FE models were built from CT (right femur for controls, intact for fractured) [Schileo, 2008]. Differently from existing works, FE strength was calculated for a range of 12 physiological directions of hip joint reactions [Bergmann, 2001] and 10 fall directions [Grassi, 2012]. Bone strength (in stance and fall) was the minimum load inducing on the femoral neck surface an elastic principal strain value greater than the yield limit [Bayraktar, 2004]. Fracture classification was analysed through logistic regressions and AUC of ROC curves. Results. Mean FE strength and aBMD were significantly lower in the fractured than in the control group (33%, p<0.0001 for strength; 12% p=0.01 for aBMD). Logistic regression on single variables. All classifiers were significant (p<0.001, AUC=0.88 for both stance and fall FE strength, p=0.02, AUC=0.72 for aBMD). The statistical power of the logistic regressions [Vaeth, 2004] was >0.9 for FE strength, 0.86 for aBMD. Logistic regressions on multiple variables. Only FE strength was retained significant (p<0.001, AUC=0.88) when including aBMD in the regression. Adding age to the logistic regression, FE strength and age (but not aBMD) remained significant, with AUC=0.95. Discussion. FE strength could discriminate the fractured group better than aBMD and than [Keyak, 2011]. FE strength was a better fracture classifier than aBMD, and obtained AUC values slightly higher than [Amin, 2011; Orwoll, 2009]. The high statistical power mildens the small sample numerosity. Cases and controls were not age matched, but FE strength and age were found to be independent classifiers. In conclusion the proposed FE method was superior to aBMD in the classification of proximal femoral fractures