Introduction. The management of periprosthetic pelvic bone loss is a challenging problem in hip revision surgery. This study evaluates the minimum 10-year clinical and radiographic outcome of major column structural allografts combined with the Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage for acetabular reconstruction. Methods. From January 1992 to August 2005, 106 hips with periprosthetic osteolysis underwent acetabular revision using massive allografts and the Burch-Schneider antiprotrusio cage. Forty-five patients (49 hips) died for unrelated causes without further surgery. Fifty-nine hips in 59 patients underwent clinical and radiographic evaluation at an average follow-up of 15.1 years. There were 17 male and 42 female patients, with age ranging from 29 to 83 years (mean 59). Results. Ten hips required rerevision because of infection (3), aseptic loosening (6), and flange breakage (1). Moreover, 4 cages showed x-ray signs of instability with severe bone resorption. The survivorship of the Burch-Schneider cage at 21.9 years with removal for any reason or radiographic migration and aseptic or radiographic failure as the end points were 76.3 and 81.4, respectively. The average Harris hip score improved from 33.2 points preoperatively to 75.7 points at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Discussion. In hip revision surgery, severe deficiency of pelvic bone stock is a critical concern because of the difficulty in providing a stable and durable fixation of the prosthesis. Although antiprotrusio cages have a limited role in acetabular revision, the use in association with massive allografts in extended bone loss demonstrated highly successful long-term results, enabling bone stock restoration and cup stability.

Total ankle replacement (TAR) is contraindicated in patients with significant talar collapse due to AVN and in these patients total talus body prosthesis has been proposed to restore ankle joint. To date, five studies have reported implantation of a custom-made talar body in patients with severely damaged talus, showing the limit of short-term damage of tibial and calcaneal thalamic joint surfaces. Four of this kind of implants have been performed. The first two realized with “traditional” technology CAD-CAM has been performed in active patients affected by “missing talus” and now presents a survival follow-up of 15 and 17 years. For the third patient affected by massive talus AVN we designed a 3D printed porous titanium custom talar body prosthesis fixed on the calcaneum and coupled with a TAR, first acquiring high-resolution 3D CT images of the contralateral healthy talus that was “mirroring” obtaining the volume of fractured talus in order to provide the optimal fit. Then the 3D printed implant was manufactured. The fourth concern a TAR septic mobilization with high bone loss of the talus. The “two-stage” reconstruction conducted with the implant of total tibio-talo-calcaneal prosthesis “custom made” built with the same technology 3D, entirely in titanium and using the “trabecular metal” technology for the calcaneous interface. Weightbearing has progressively allowed after 6 weeks. No complications were observed. All the implants are still in place with an overall joint mobility ranging from 40° to 60°. This treatment requires high demanding technical skills and experience with TAR and foot and ankle trauma. The 15 years survival of 2 total talar prosthesis coupled to a TAR manufactured by a CAD-CAM procedure encourages consider this 3D printed custom implant as a new alternative solution for massive AVN and traumatic missing talus in active patients.

Introduction: A minimally invasive procedure including percutaneous reduction and external fixation can be performed for Sanders’ type II, III and IV heel fractures in order to obtain a tridimensional reconstruction of the os calcis with a reduced risk of local complications, allowing for early motion.

Methods: 54 consecutive closed articular displaced calcanear fractures in 52 patients were treated with the Orthofix Heel Mini-Fixator. Patients were followed for an average of 49 months (range, 27 to 94 months) and assessed clinically with the Maryland Foot Score and radiographically with X-rays and CT scans.

Results: Clinical results at follow-up scored excellent or good in 49/54 cases (90.7%), fair in 2 cases (3.7%) and bad in 3 cases (5.6%). Mean preoperative Böehler’s angle was 6.98° ± 12.93 (range, – 5.95–19.86), while after surgery the average value was 21.94° ± 9.36 (range, 12.58–31.30) (p < 0.01). C.T. scans were evaluated according to the S.A.VE. score, showing excellent results in 24 cases (44.4%), good results in 25 cases (46.3%), fair results in 3 cases (5.6%) and bad results in 2 cases (3.7%). Mean preoperative S.A.VE. score was 17.58 ± 4.98 (range, 12.60 – 22.56) while the postoperative score was 25.66 ± 2.44 (range, 23.22 – 28.1) (p< 0.01).

Complications: Sudeck’s atrophy (10), pin tract superficial infections (3), thalamic displacement following early weight-bearing(3).

Conclusions: Percutaneous reduction and external fixation proved to be a reliable technique in order for obtaining stable reduction of os calcis fractures. The clinical results appear to be comparable to those obtainable with the open reduction and internal fixation, with the added advantages of being minimally invasive procedure, having substantially shorter operating times and reducing risk of complications related to surgical exposure.

Introduction: Symptomatic treatment of Civinini-Morton syndrome (interdigital neuritis: IDN) may be performed directly on the involved nervous branch using orthotics, local drug injections or surgery.

Alcoholization with phenol by a percutaneous approach has the aim to induce a permanent chemical neurolysis, obtaining remission of the neuritic painful symptoms.

Methods: 71 patients were treated by percutaneous alcoholization of the interdigital nerve using a needle-electrode connected to an electrostimulator by a dorsal approach to the intermetatarsal space. Once the nerve is localized by induction of paresthesia up to the toes, 2,5 ml of phenol 5% in water solution are injected, immediately followed by local anesthetic for a post-procedure analgesia. The patients were evaluated by visual analogue scale for pain (VAS).

Results: Mean follow-up was 36±8 months. Percutaneous alcoholization of the common interdigital nerve by phenol injection proved to be effective (VAS < 30) in 80.3% of cases (57/71).

Conclusions: Treatment of Civinini-Morton syndrome by alcoholization with phenol by a percutaneous approach showed considerable better results when compared with those reported in the literature with conservative treatment or local steroid injection, and even comparable with those obtained with surgical nevrectomy in absence of complications related to surgical approach.

Introduction: In two-stage revision of an infected total hip replacement a preformed temporary antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate spacer may be required in order to allow weightbearing and joint motion while ensuring antibiotic local release.

Methods: 29 patients with infected hips were treated by a two-stage procedure including removal of prosthesis and implantation of a spacer. The device comprised a stem with 3 available head sizes pre-coated by bone cement supplemented with gentamicin (2.5% w/w) and vancomycin (2.5% w/w). Joint motion and weight-bearing were allowed when the bone stock ensured an adequate stability to the spacer. Systemic antibiotics were administered for 8 weeks. The spacer remained in situ for an average of 155 (range 70–272) days. Reimplantation was performed when recovery of clinical and serological signs of infection was obtained. Patients’ evaluation included clinical assessment (HHS), standard x-ray and laboratory parameters.

Results: mean follow-up was 52 months (range 36–100). Healing of the infection was obtained in 27/29 cases (93.1%). 5 patients required resection-arthroplasty (2 persistent infections, 2 inadequate bone stock, 1 recurrent infection). In 4 cases the spacer dislocated, being treated by non-surgical reduction. The reimplanted patients (24) showed no clinical or laboratory signs of infection recurrence, with a mean HHS score of 79 (range 53 to 100); no radiographic signs of loosening were observed.

Discussion: the use of a preformed antibiotic-loaded spacer in two-stage revisions, allowing a local antibiotic release together with some degree of joint motion, appears to enhance infection’s treatment improving patients’ quality of life and functional recovery.

Introduction: A minimally invasive procedure including percutaneous reduction and external fixation can be performed for Sanders’ type II, III and IV heel fractures in order to obtain a tridimensional reconstruction of the os calcis with a reduced risk of local complications, allowing for early motion.

Methods: 54 consecutive closed articular displaced cal-canear fractures in 52 patients were treated with the Orthofix Heel Mini-Fixator. Patients were followed for an average of 49 months (range, 27 to 94 months) and assessed clinically with the Maryland Foot Score and radiographically with X-rays and CT scans.

Results: Clinical results at follow-up scored excellent or good in 49/54 cases (90.7%), fair in 2 cases (3.7%) and bad in 3 cases (5.6%). Mean preoperative Böehler’s angle was 6.98° ± 12.93 (range, − 5.95–19.86), while after surgery the average value was 21.94° ± 9.36 (range, 12.58–31.30) (p < 0.01). C.T. scans were evaluated according to the S.A.VE. score, showing excellent results in 24 cases (44.4%), good results in 25 cases (46.3%), fair results in 3 cases (5.6%) and bad results in 2 cases (3.7%). Mean preoperative S.A.VE. score was 17.58 ± 4.98 (range, 12.60 – 22.56) while the postoperative score was 25.66 ± 2.44 (range, 23.22 – 28.1) (p< 0.01).

Sudeck’s atrophy was observed in 10 patients (18.6%) that healed within four months. Three pin tract superficial infections (5.6%) were resolved without removal of the device. Three patients (5.6%) showed thalamic displacement following early weight-bearing but did not require further surgery.

Conclusions: Percutaneous reduction and external fixation proved to be a reliable technique in order for obtaining stable reduction of os calcis fractures. The clinical results appear to be comparable to those obtainable with the open reduction and internal fixation, with the added advantages of being minimally invasive procedure, having substantially shorter operating times and reducing risk of complications related to surgical exposure.

Implantation of metatarso-phalangeal prostheses or spacers has been widely indicated for the replacement of the articular surfaces in severe hallux rigidus.

A reabsorbable device in poly(D-L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) which is dome-shaped with a stem for implantation into the first metatarsal, avoiding any resection of the base of the proximal phalanx, is proposed.

The rationale of the reabsorbable spacer is to maintain the distance between the articular surfaces and provide a sliding surface suitable for articulation. It is then reabsorbed and replaced by fibrous tissue, which allows motion and removes pain.

37 reabsorbable spacers have been inserted for severe hallux rigidus in 33 patients aged from 26 and 76 years (average 58). Patients were reviewed with a follow-up ranging between 36 and 96 months (average 59.5).

The results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (A.O.F.A.S), hallux-metatatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale.

Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing X-rays were made preoperatively and at follow-up, evaluating the dimensions of the articular space and the length of the first metatarsal.

The chronology of device reabsorption was studied in 10 patients with M.R.I., assessing complete reabsorption within 4 months of the operation.

Excellent and good results were obtained in 91% of patients. The A.O.F.A.S. score was 43.7+/−20.6 pre-operatively and 82+/10.3 post-operatively.

The reabsorbable spacer confirmed the expectations of its protagonists. This procedure would appear to be an alternative to arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint or traditional permanent implants, and represents an intermediate technique between an implant and resection arthroplasty.

Introduction: Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal is indicated in the surgical treatment of mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a subcapital distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal using a percutaneous technique.

Methods: From 1996 to 2001 118 consecutive percutaneous distal osteotomies of the first metatarsal were performed in 82 patients for the treatment of painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus. Patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 35.9 months employing a clinical and radiographic protocol. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society’s hallux-metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale was used for the clinical assessment.

Results: in 107 of the 118 cases (90.7%), patients were satisfied with the procedure. The mean score obtained in the clinical assessment using the AOFAS scale was 88.2 ± 12.9. The radiographic assessment showed significant changes (P< 0.05) in the values of the hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, distal metatarsal articular angle and the sesamoid position at the postoperative assessment compared to preoperative values. Recurrence of the valgus deformity was observed in 3 cases (2.5%), non-painful stiffness of the first metatarsophalangeal joint in 7 (5.9%) and a deep infection resolved by antibiotic therapy in 1 (0.8%).

Conclusions: The percutaneous procedure proved to be a reliable technique for the correct execution of a distal linear osteotomy of the first metatarsal for the correction of painful mild-to-moderate hallux valgus deformity. The clinical results appear to be comparable to those obtainable with the traditional open techniques, with the additional advantages of a minimally invasive procedure, substantially shorter operating times and a reduced risk of complications related to surgical exposure.

A minimally-invasive procedure using percutaneous reduction and external fixation can be carried out for Sanders’ type II, III and IV fractures of the os calcis. We have treated 54 consecutive closed displaced fractures of the calcaneum involving the articular surface in 52 patients with the Orthofix Calcaneal Mini-Fixator. Patients were followed up for a mean of 49 months (27 to 94) and assessed clinically with the Maryland Foot Score and radiologically with radiographs and CT scans, evaluated according to the Score Analysis of Verona. The clinical results at follow-up were excellent or good in 49 cases (90.7%), fair in two (3.7%) and poor in three (5.6%). The mean pre-operative Böhler’s angle was 6.98° (5.95° to 19.86°), whereas after surgery the mean value was 21.94° (12.58° to 31.30°) (p < 0.01). Excellent results on CT scanning were demonstrated in 24 cases (44.4%), good in 25 (46.3%), fair in three (5.6%) and poor in two (3.7%). Transient local osteoporosis was observed in ten patients (18.5%), superficial pin track infection in three (5.6%), and three patients (5.6%) showed thalamic displacement following unadvised early weight-bearing.

The clinical results appear to be comparable with those obtainable with open reduction and internal fixation, with the advantages of reduced risk using a minimally-invasive technique.

Objective of study: Two-stage revision procedure of infected total hip replacements usually involves the application of a temporary antibiotic-loaded poly-methylmethacrylate spacer. A preformed spacer which allows weightbearing and joint motion while ensuring a sustained antibiotic release was evaluated.

Material and Methods: 26 consecutive patients affected with an infected total hip arthroplasty were treated by the insertion of an industrially preformed temporary spacer (Spacer-G). This device comprises a cylindrical stainless-steel rod coated with bone cement supplemented with gentamicin (1.8% w/w) and vancomycin (2.5% w/w). Joint mobilization and assisted weight-bearing were permitted when bone stock allowed an adequate mechanical stability of the spacer. Reimplantation was performed when normalization of serological parameters was obtained. Patients’ evaluation included clinical assessment, standard x-ray and laboratory parameters.

Results: The spacer remained in situ for an average of 155 (70-272) days allowing healing of the infection in 24 cases. 5 patients required resection-arthroplasty (2 persistent infections, 2 inadequate local bone conditions, 1 acute recurrence of infection). In 4 cases the spacer dislocated, because the head diameter was too small. The successfully-reimplanted patients (21) were assessed with a mean 48 (17–83) months follow-up showing no clinical or biohumoral signs of infection recurrence. Functional outcome was satisfactory (mean value of Harris Hip Score: 79) and no radiographic aspects of loosening were observed.

Conclusions: The Spacer-G used in the two-stage revision of infected total hip replacements permitted an effective local antibiotic release together with some range of joint motion, which improved the quality of life of the patients during treatment of infection and accelerated recovery of function after reimplantation.

Distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal can be performed by a percutaneous minimally invasive procedure when indicated for the surgical treatment of hallux valgus. The intermediate-term results of percutaneous distal uniplanar osteotomy of the first metatarsal were assessed in 118 feet in 82 patients (36 bilaterally) to determine the effectiveness of the percutaneous procedure.

A modified Lamprecht – Kramer – Boesh technique was performed under distal nerve trunk anaesthesia (ankle block) without a tourniquet, using a K-wire for stabilisation of the osteotomy. No surgical approaches and no soft-tissue procedures were required. Post-operatively adhesive tape was applied and immediate weight-bearing allowed.

The patients were followed for an average of 36 months (range 24 to 78 months). Clinical assessment was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, hallux-metatarsal-phalangeal-interphalangeal (AOFAS) scale. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing radiographs were performed pre- and post-operatively, and the hallux valgus angle, the first intermetatarsal angle, the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) and the position of the sesamoid were recorded. The average score according to the AOFAS scale was 86.6±12.9. Patients were satisfied with the result of the procedure in 90.7% of cases. The results confirm the effectiveness of the percutaneous procedure to achieve a satisfactory distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal without the need for soft-tissue procedures in the surgical management of symptomatic hallux valgus.

The management of infected total hip replacements is a challenging problem in orthopaedic surgery. Two-stage revision procedures usually involve the application of a temporary antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate spacer. A preformed spacer which allows weight-bearing and joint motion while ensuring a sustained antibiotic release was evaluated.

From September 1996 to March 2002, 26 consecutive patients with an infected total hip arthroplasty were treated by the insertion of an industrially preformed temporary spacer (Spacer-G®). This device comprises a cylindrical stainless-steel rod coated with bone cement supplemented with gentamicin (1.9% w/w) and vancomycin (2.5% w/w). The spacer is currently available in three sizes of head diameter, each size with two stem lengths. Joint mobilisation and assisted weight-bearing were permitted when the bone stock provided adequate mechanical stability of the spacer. Patients’ evaluation included clinical assessment and standard X-ray and laboratory parameters. Reimplantation was performed when serological parameters had normalised.

The spacer remained in situ for an average of 155 (70–272) days, allowing healing of the infection in 24 cases. Five patients required resection arthroplasty (two persistent infections, two inadequate local bone conditions and one acute recurrence of infection). A second spacer was implanted after 4 months in one subject. In four cases the spacer dislocated, because the head diameter was too small or because of a rotational instability of the stem in the femur. The successfully-reimplanted patients (21) were assessed with a mean 53 (22–88) months of follow-up, showing no clinical or bio-humoral signs of infection recurrence. Functional outcome was satisfactory with a mean value of Harris Hip Score of 79 (53–100), and no radiographic aspects of loosening were observed.

The Spacer-G® used in the two-stage revision of infected total hip replacements permitted an effective local antibiotic release together with some range of joint motion, which improved the quality of life of the patients during treatment of infection and accelerated recovery of function after reimplantation.

Implantation of metatarso-phalangeal prostheses or spacers has been widely indicated for the replacement of the articular surfaces in severe hallux rigidus. Giannini proposed a reabsorbable device in poly(D-L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) which is dome-shaped with a stem for implantation into the first metatarsal, avoiding any resection of the base of the proximal phalanx.

The rationale for the reabsorbable spacer is to maintain the distance between the articular surfaces for a predictable time and to provide a sliding surface suitable for articulation with the proximal phalanx. It is then reabsorbed by fragmentation and replaced by fibrous tissue, which maintains the articular space, allows motion and relieves pain.

Twenty-three reabsorbable spacers have been inserted for severe hallux rigidus in 20 patients aged from 26 to 76 years (average 58). Patients were reviewed with a follow-up ranging between 24 and 50 months (average 36). The results were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (A.O.F.A.S), hallux-metata-tarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale. Anteroposterior and lateral weight-bearing X-rays were made preoperatively and at follow-up, evaluating the dimensions of the articular space and the length of the first metatarsal. The chronology of device reabsorption was studied in 10 patients with M.R.I., assessing complete reabsorption within 4 months of the operation.

Excellent and good results were obtained in 91% of patients. The A.O.F.A.S. score was 43.7±20.6 pre-operatively and 82±10.3 post-operatively. The reabsorbable spacer confirmed the expectations of its supporters. This procedure would appear to be an alternative to arthrodesis of the first metatarso-phalangeal joint or traditional permanent implants and represents an intermediate technique between an implant and resection arthroplasty.

Congenital or acquired shortness of a metatarsal may cause pain in adjacent metatarsals. From 1983 to 1990, we performed nine metatarsal lengthenings in seven adolescent patients by metaphyseal osteotomy followed by gradual distraction of callus (callotasis). Two patients required bone grafts after the lengthening. We used a rigid, unilateral external fixator designed for use in the hand and foot. At follow-up, from three to ten years later, healing had been achieved in all with an average healing index of 50 days/cm, and metatarsalgia had been relieved by the restoration of correct metatarsal length.