Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin prevents ejection fraction reduction, reduces myocardial and renal NF-κB expression and systemic pro-inflammatory biomarkers in models of short-term doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.

Background: Anthracycline-mediated adverse cardiovascular events are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) exert multiple cardiometabolic benefits in patients with/without type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. We hypothesized that the SGLT2i dapagliflozin administered before and during doxorubicin (DOXO) therapy could prevent cardiac dysfunction and reduce pro-inflammatory pathways in preclinical models. Methods: Cardiomyocytes were exposed to DOXO alone or combined with dapagliflozin (DAPA) at 10 and 100 nM for 24 h; cell viability, iATP, and Ca++ were quantified; lipid peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxy 2-hexenal), NLRP3, MyD88, and cytokines were also analyzed through selective colorimetric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Female C57Bl/6 mice were treated for 10 days with a saline solution or DOXO (2.17 mg/kg), DAPA (10 mg/kg), or DOXO combined with DAPA. Systemic levels of ferroptosis-related biomarkers, galectin-3, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and pro-inflammatory chemokines (IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL17-α, IL-18, IFN-γ, TNF-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF) were quantified. After treatments, immunohistochemical staining of myocardial and renal p65/NF-kB was performed. Results: DAPA exerts cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties in human cardiomyocytes exposed to DOXO by reducing iATP and iCa++ levels, lipid peroxidation, NLRP-3, and MyD88 expression. Pro-inflammatory intracellular cytokines were also reduced. In preclinical models, DAPA prevented the reduction of radial and longitudinal strain and ejection fraction after 10 days of treatment with DOXO. A reduced myocardial expression of NLRP-3 and MyD-88 was seen in the DOXO-DAPA group compared to DOXO mice. Systemic levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, G-CSF, and GM-CSF were significantly reduced after treatment with DAPA. Serum levels of galectine-3 and hs-CRP were strongly enhanced in the DOXO group; on the other hand, their expression was reduced in the DAPA-DOXO group. Troponin-T, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-Terminal Pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) were strongly reduced in the DOXO-DAPA group, revealing cardioprotective properties of SGLT2i. Mice treated with DOXO and DAPA exhibited reduced myocardial and renal NF-kB expression. Conclusion: The overall picture of the study encourages the use of DAPA in the primary prevention of cardiomyopathies induced by anthracyclines in patients with cancer.

Impact of the Multidisciplinary Cancer Team on the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Pathway of Early Breast Cancer Patients and Perception of Team Members: The Experience of a Cancer Centre in Italy.

Literature on the role of multidisciplinary team (MDT) in cancer is still controversial. We aimed to investigate MDT impact on a panel of indicators in breast cancer care in a single-center retrospective study performed in a Cancer Reference Center in Italy. We analysed the diagnostic and therapeutic care pathway (DTCP) of 266 early breast cancer patients managed by our MDT during 2019-2020. Process indicators reflecting the change of the diagnostic and therapeutic care pathways occurred after the MDT discussion were computed. Further, the performance of some quality care indicators in breast cancer care since the establishment of the MDT activity and the breast cancer MDT members' perceptions were also investigated. According to our study, the MDT approach improves breast cancer management by increasing the completion of staging and by encouraging neo-adjuvant treatment and an appropriate and faster surgery. In MDT members' perspective it also improves decision-making and training and creates a positive work environment. Globally, our study encourages MDT rollout in breast cancer care. However, to enhance the reliability and comparability of the results of studies investigating MDT effectiveness in clinical practice, shared guidelines on its operationalisation are strongly desirable.

[Digital artery pseudoaneurysm. Case report and systematic review of the literature]. / Pseudoaneurisma de arteria digital. Reporte de un caso y revisión sistemática de la bibliografía.

INTRODUCTION: aneurysms are focal and permanent dilations of an artery; in pseudoaneurysms, the normal layers of the blood vessel are replaced by fibrous tissue. Due to their low incidence, as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic challenge they represent; our objective is to present the clinical case of a pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery of the hand and to carry out a systematic review of this pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: literature search in Medline, using the terms "digital artery" and "aneurysm." Studies of vascular dilation pathology affecting the hand and fingers were incorporated. Studies with pathology of proximal involvement of the hand were excluded. CASE PRESENTATION: a 79-year-old female patient who, after a sharp force trauma to the fifth finger of the left hand, develops a rapidly growing necrotic tumor. She had ultrasound and angiography that suggested hematoma. Surgical management was decided, during which it was observed that the tumor involved ulnar collateral digital artery of the fifth finger. The lesion and the arterial segment involved were resected. Post-surgical course without complications. The histopathological diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm of the lesion was confirmed. DISCUSSION: traumatic etiology is the most frequent cause of digital aneurysms. Risk factors for pseudoaneurysms include sharp force trauma and alterations of the coagulation pathways, as in the case presented. CONCLUSION: the pseudoaneurysm of a digital artery is a rare pathology with great variability of therapeutic management. Surgical resection of the lesion with vascular flow reconstruction is the recommended treatment.

INTRODUCCIÓN: los aneurismas son dilataciones vasculares localizadas y permanentes de una arteria; en los pseudoaneurismas, las capas normales del vaso sanguíneo son reemplazadas por tejido fibroso. Debido a su baja incidencia, así como el desafío diagnóstico y terapéutico que representan; nuestro objetivo es presentar el caso clínico de un pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital de la mano y realizar una revisión sistemática sobre dicha patología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: búsqueda bibliográfica en Medline, utilizando los términos "arteria digital" y "aneurisma". Se incorporaron estudios de patología de dilatación vascular que afecte la mano y los dedos. Se excluyeron trabajos con patología de afección proximal de la mano. PRESENTACIÓN DE CASO: paciente femenino de 79 años de edad, que posterior a herida cortante de quinto dedo de mano izquierda, desarrolla tumoración necrótica de rápido crecimiento. Contaba con ecografía y angiografía que sugerían hematoma. Se decidió manejo quirúrgico, durante el cual se observó que la tumoración involucraba arteria digital colateral cubital del quinto dedo. Se resecó lesión y segmento arterial involucrado. Cursó postquirúrgico sin complicaciones. Se confirmó el diagnóstico histopatológico de pseudoaneurisma de la lesión. DISCUSIÓN: la etiología traumática es la causa más frecuente de los aneurismas digitales. Los factores de riesgo para los pseudoaneurismas incluyen lesiones penetrantes y alteraciones de la cascada de coagulación, como en el caso presentado. CONCLUSIÓN: el pseudoaneurisma de una arteria digital es una patología rara y con gran variabilidad de manejo terapéutico. La resección quirúrgica de la lesión con la reconstrucción del flujo vascular, es el tratamiento recomendado.

Late consolidation of the scaphoid. Case report and literature review.

Scaphoid fractures are a common wrist injury accounting for 2-7% of all adult fractures. Nonunion is described in 5-12% of cases leading to osteoarthritis. Several classifications have been developed focused on this pathology and its complication. We present a case of a 28 years old male patient with a scaphoid fracture and nonunion who spontaneously consolidates without treatment. We performed a literature review to recognize this pathology, its common evolution and possible treatment options.

Las fracturas de escafoides son una lesión frecuente de la muñeca y representan de 2-7% de todas las fracturas en adultos. La no unión se describe en 5-12% de los casos y conduce a la osteoartritis. Se han desarrollado varias clasificaciones centradas en esta patología y su complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 28 años con fractura y no unión de escafoides que consolida espontáneamente sin tratamiento. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica para reconocer esta patología, su evolución habitual y las posibles opciones de tratamiento.

Group 2 ITI Consensus Report: Technological developments in implant prosthetics.

OBJECTIVES: Group-2 reviewed the scientific evidence in the field of «Technology¼. Focused research questions were: (1) additive versus subtractive manufacturing of implant restorations; (2) survival, complications, and esthetics comparing prefabricated versus customized abutments; and (3) survival of posterior implant-supported multi-unit fixed dental prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature was systematically screened, and 67 publications could be critically reviewed following PRISMA guidelines, resulting in three systematic reviews. Consensus statements were presented to the plenary where after modification, those were accepted. RESULTS: Additively fabricated implant restorations of zirconia and polymers were investigated for marginal/internal adaptation and mechanical properties without clear results in favor of one technology or material. Titanium base abutments for screw-retained implant single crowns compared to customized abutments did not show significant differences concerning 1-year survival. PFM, veneered and monolithic zirconia implant-supported multi-unit posterior fixed dental prostheses demonstrated similar high 3-year survival rates, whereas veneered restorations exhibited the highest annual ceramic fracture and chipping rates. CONCLUSIONS: For interim tooth-colored implant single crowns both additive and subtractive manufacturing are viable techniques. The clinical performance of additively produced restorations remains to be investigated. Implant single crowns on titanium base abutments show similar clinical performance compared to other type of abutments; however, long-term clinical data from RCTs are needed. The abutment selection should be considered already during the planning phase. Digital planning facilitates 3D visualization of the prosthetic design including abutment selection. In the posterior area, monolithic zirconia is recommended as the material of choice for multi-unit implant restorations to reduce technical complications.

[Translated article] The use of an anatomical implant compared to a straight LCP decreases extraction in posterior humeral MIPO.

PURPOSE: Posterior MIPO approach in the humerus has been described by using a 4.5mm LCP plate. Although straight plates have shown good results, they have not been designed to adapt to the distal humeral metaphysis. The goal of the study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in hardware removal after posterior MIPO with either a straight or a pre-contoured plate. METHODS: Patients older than 18 years, who had suffered mid-distal humeral shaft fracture, were treated by a posterior MIPO technique with a locking plate and had a minimum of 12-month follow-up were retrospectively included. Patients were separated into: group 1 (LCP 4.5mm straight plate); and group 2 (3.5mm anatomically shaped plate). Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed in the postoperative period. Patient-reported outcomes and the need of hardware removal because of pain were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven patients in group 1 and 40 in group 2. No patient was lost to follow-up. There were no statistical differences between in patient reported outcomes measures. All the fractures healed. Within group 1, 18% (95%CI: 6-38%) of the patients required implant removal while in group 2 this incidence was 0% (95%CI: 0-9%) (P 0.009). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of a 4.5mm LCP compared to an anatomical 3.5mm LCP in posterior MIPO of the humerus generates greater discomfort and therefore leads to a 18% increase in the risk of implant removal.

Late consolidation of the scaphoid. Case report and literature review / Consolidación tardía del escafoides. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Abstract: Scaphoid fractures are a common wrist injury accounting for 2-7% of all adult fractures. Nonunion is described in 5-12% of cases leading to osteoarthritis. Several classifications have been developed focused on this pathology and its complication. We present a case of a 28 years old male patient with a scaphoid fracture and nonunion who spontaneously consolidates without treatment. We performed a literature review to recognize this pathology, its common evolution and possible treatment options.

Resumen: Las fracturas de escafoides son una lesión frecuente de la muñeca y representan de 2-7% de todas las fracturas en adultos. La no unión se describe en 5-12% de los casos y conduce a la osteoartritis. Se han desarrollado varias clasificaciones centradas en esta patología y su complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 28 años con fractura y no unión de escafoides que consolida espontáneamente sin tratamiento. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica para reconocer esta patología, su evolución habitual y las posibles opciones de tratamiento.

The use of an anatomical implant compared to a straight LCP decreases extraction in posterior humeral MIPO. / La utilización de un implante anatómico comparado a una LCP recta disminuye su extracción en la osteosíntesis percutánea posterior del húmero.

PURPOSE: Posterior MIPO approach in the humerus has been described by using a 4.5mm LCP plate. Although straight plates have shown good results, they have not been designed to adapt to the distal humeral metaphysis. The goal of the study was to test the null hypothesis that there is no difference in hardware removal after posterior MIPO with either a straight or a pre-contoured plate. METHODS: Patients older than 18 years, who had suffered mid-distal humeral shaft fracture, were treated by a posterior MIPO technique with a locking plate and had a minimum of 12-month follow-up were retrospectively included. Patients were separated into: group 1 (LCP 4.5mm straight plate); and group 2 (3.5mm anatomically shaped plate). Clinical and radiological evaluation were performed in the postoperative period. Patient-reported outcomes and the need of hardware removal because of pain were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Twenty-seven patients in group 1 and 40 in group 2. No patient was lost to follow-up. There were no statistical differences between in patient reported outcomes measures. All the fractures healed. Within group 1, 18% (95%CI: 6-38%) of the patients required implant removal while in group 2 this incidence was 0% (95%CI: 0-9%) (P 0.009). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the use of a 4.5mm LCP compared to an anatomical 3.5mm LCP in posterior MIPO of the humerus generates greater discomfort and therefore leads to a 18% increase in the risk of implant removal.

Galeazzi fracture-dislocations: Long-term prognosis of the distal radioulnar joint.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term functional and radiographic outcome in the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) for Galeazzi fracture-dislocation after anatomic reduction and rigid fixation of the radius. Fourteen patients, with an average age of 38 years, presenting with Galeazzi fracture-dislocation treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the radius and closed reduction of the DRUJ were retrospectively evaluated, with a minimum follow-up of 6 years. At final evaluation (mean: 8 years), the DRUJ was objectively and subjectively evaluated for range of motion (RoM), grip strength, ballottement test, pain on axial loading, function on visual analog scale (VAS) and DASH score. Radiographs and dynamic CT scans were performed to screen for DRUJ instability and/or osteoarthritis. Six of the patients had a positive comparative ballottement test, but none reported pain during the maneuver. No significant differences in RoM were found between the injured and uninjured wrist. Mean grip strength in the injured wrist was 77% of the contralateral value. Mean pain on VAS was 0.6. Mean global function on VAS was 9. Mean DASH score was 3. Dynamic CT showed no clear subluxation in any of the patients, and none showed severe articular changes. Our findings suggest that long-term clinical and radiological prognosis for the DRUJ in Galeazzi lesions is favorable when adequate closed reduction of the ulna is achieved after anatomical ORIF of the radius. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. Therapeutic case series.

Augmented and virtual reality in dental medicine: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was to provide an update on the contemporary knowledge and scientific development of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in dental medicine, and to identify future research needs to accomplish its clinical translation. METHOD: A modified PICO-strategy was performed using an electronic (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) plus manual search up to 12/2018 exploring AR/VR in dentistry in the last 5 years. Inclusion criteria were limited to human studies focusing on the clinical application of AR/VR and associated field of interest in dental medicine. RESULTS: The systematic search identified 315 titles, whereas 87 abstracts and successively 32 full-texts were selected for review, resulting in 16 studies for final inclusion. AR/VR-technologies were predominantly used for educational motor skill training (n = 9 studies), clinical testing of maxillofacial surgical protocols (n = 5), investigation of human anatomy (n = 1), and the treatment of patients with dental phobia (n = 1). Due to the heterogeneity of the included studies, meta-analyses could not be performed. CONCLUSIONS: The overall number of includable studies was low; and scientifically proven recommendations for clinical protocols could not be given at this time. However, AR/VR-applications are of increasing interest and importance in dental under- and postgraduate education offering interactive learning concepts with 24/7-access and objective evaluation. In maxillofacial surgery, AR/VR-technology is a promising tool for complex procedures and can help to deliver predictable and safe therapy outcomes. Future research should focus on establishing technological standards with high data quality and developing approved applications for dental AR/VR-devices for clinical routine.

Atraumatic Bilateral Instability of Ulnar Nerve and Extensor Carpi Ulnaris in a Patient with Marfan's Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Marfan's syndrome is a hereditary, autosomal dominant multisystemic disorder involving connective tissue. Bilateral extensor carpi ulnaris and ulnar nerve (UN) instability is rare, usually caused by the alteration of structures mainly formed by connective tissue. The association between Marfan's syndrome and bilateral instability of UN and extensor carpi ulnaris has never been reported. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 38-year-old female with no history of trauma, diagnosed with Marfan's syndrome, who developed bilateralinstability of the UN and extensor carpi ulnaris. Bilateral UN transposition and extensor carpi ulnaris tenoplasty were performed. CONCLUSION: Atraumatic bilateral instability of UN and extensor carpi ulnaris is a new rare clinical profile caused by Marfan's syndrome whether standard treatment is successful in a long-term basis in these particular cases of collagen intrinsic pathology remains unclear.

Trends in Dental Implant Use in the U.S., 1999-2016, and Projections to 2026.

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular treatment choice for replacing missing teeth. Yet, little is known about the prevalence and sociodemographic distribution of dental implant use in the United States. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed data from 7 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 1999 to 2016. We estimated dental implant prevalence among adults missing any teeth for each survey period overall as stratified by sociodemographic characteristics. We calculated absolute and relative differences from 1999-2000 to 2015-2016 and fit logistic regression models to estimate changes over time. We also used multivariable logistic regression to estimate independent associations of sociodemographic covariates with the presence of any implant. We projected the proportion of patients treated with dental implants into the year 2026 under varying assumptions of how the temporal trend would continue. There has been a large increase in the prevalence of dental implants, from 0.7% in 1999 to 2000 to 5.7% in 2015 to 2016. The largest absolute increase in prevalence (12.9%) was among individuals 65 to 74 y old, whereas the largest relative increase was ~1,000% among those 55 to 64 y old. There was an average covariate-adjusted increase in dental implant prevalence of 14% per year (95% CI, 11% to 18%). Having private insurance (vs. none or public insurance) or more than a high school education (vs. high school or less) was each associated with a 2-fold increase in prevalence, with an almost 13-fold (95% CI, 8 to21) increase for older adults. Dental implant prevalence projected to 2026 ranged from 5.7% in the most conservative scenario to 23% in the least. This study demonstrates that dental implant prevalence among US adults with missing teeth has substantially increased since 1999. Yet access overall is still very low, and prevalence was consistently higher among more advantaged groups.

Production and separation of 163Ho for nuclear physics experiments.

This paper describes the production and chemical separation of the 163Ho isotope that will be used in several nuclear physics experiments aiming at measuring the neutrino mass as well as the neutron cross section of the 163Ho isotope. For this purpose, several batches of enriched 162Er have been irradiated at the Institut Laue-Langevin high flux reactor to finally produce 6 mg or 100 MBq of the desired 163Ho isotope. A portion of the Er/Ho mixture is then subjected to a sophisticated chemical separation involving ion exchange chromatography to isolate the Ho product from the Er target material. Before irradiation, a thorough analysis of the impurity content was performed and its implication on the produced nuclide inventory will be discussed.

Extensor Tendons Rupture after Volar Plating of Distal Radius Fracture Related to a Dorsal Radial Metaphyseal Bone Spur.

Extensor tendon ruptures due to volar plating in distal radius fractures have mostly been described in relation with technique failures such as screw prominence and drill penetration. We report the case of a 71-year-old female with a C2 distal radius fracture with severe dorsal metaphyseal comminution. The patient underwent surgical treatment with reduction of the large fragments and fixation with a volar locking plate; the small dorsal metaphyseal nonarticular fragments were not reduced. Six months later, the patient developed extensor digitorum communis (EDC) rupture and extensor indicis proprius (EIP) laceration in coincidence with the dorsal comminution turned into a bony spur. The possible association between the extensor tendon injury and the dorsal residual metaphyseal bony spur in the distal radius fractures is unusual but should be taken into account in fracture patterns presenting dorsal comminution.

Therapeutic Advantages of Dual Targeting of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ in an Experimental Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with progressive impairments in brain responsiveness to insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Although deficiencies in brain insulin and IGF could be ameliorated with trophic factors such as insulin, impairments in receptor expression, binding, and tyrosine kinase activation require alternative strategies. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonists target genes downstream of insulin/IGF stimulation. Furthermore, their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects address other pathologies contributing to neurodegeneration. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this research was to examine effects of dual delivery of L165, 041 (PPAR-δ) and F-L-Leu (PPAR-γ) agonists for remediating in the early stages of neurodegeneration. MODEL: Experiments were conducted using frontal lobe slice cultures from an intracerebral Streptozotocin (i.c. STZ) rat model of AD. RESULTS: PPAR-δ+ PPAR-γ agonist treatments increased indices of neuronal and myelin maturation, and mitochondrial proliferation and function, and decreased neuroinflammation, AßPP-Aß, neurotoxicity, ubiquitin, and nitrosative stress, but failed to restore choline acetyl transferase expression and adversely increased HNE(lipid peroxidation) and acetylcholinesterase, which would have further increased stress and reduced cholinergic function in the STZ brain cultures. CONCLUSION: PPAR-δ + PPAR-γ agonist treatments have substantial positive early therapeutic targeting effects on AD-associated molecular and biochemical brain pathologies. However, additional or alternative strategies may be needed to optimize disease remediation during the initial phases of treatment.

Total elbow arthroplasty for the treatment of distal humeral fractures. / Artroplastia total de codo para el tratamiento de fracturas del húmero distal.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical-functional outcomes of the treatment of humeral distal fractures with a total elbow prosthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was performed in two surgical centres. A total of 23patients were included, with a mean age of 79years, and of which 21 were women. The inclusion criteria were: patients with humeral distal fractures, operated on using a Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis, and with a follow-up of more than one year. According to AO classification, 15fractures were type C3, 7 C2 and 1 A2. All patients were operated on without de-insertion of the extensor mechanism. The mean follow-up was 40 months. RESULTS: Flexor-extension was 123-17°, with a total mobility arc of 106° (80% of the contralateral side). Pain, according to a visual analogue scale was 1. The Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) was 83 points. Excellent results were obtained in 8 patients, good in 13, medium in 1, and poor in 1. The mean DASH (disability) score was 24 points. CONCLUSION: Treatment of humeral distal fractures with total elbow arthroplasty could be a good treatment option, but indications must be limited to patients with complex fractures, poor bone quality, with osteoporosis and low functional demands. In younger patients, the use is limited to serious cases where there is no other treatment option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of Evidence IV.

Posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) of distal third humeral shaft fractures with segmental isolation of the radial nerve.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of a cohort of patients with distal third humeral shaft fractures treated using a posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Twenty-one patients were retrospectively evaluated, 13 men and 8 women with an average age of 37 years. The surgery was performed through two posterior incisions away from the fracture site. The radial nerve was identified and protected. The fracture was fixed with a narrow 4.5/5.0mm locking compression plate. After an average follow-up of 22 months, flexion-extension of the elbow was 138°±7°, with a range of motion of 131°. Shoulder motion was 160° in forward flexion, 59° in external rotation, and internal rotation was to the spinous process of 9th thoracic vertebra. Pain severity was 0.5 on the VAS. The DASH score was 9. Average Constant score was 84. MEPI was 97. Fracture union was obtained in all patients. One patient developed transient postoperative radial nerve palsy. These results demonstrate that the posterior MIPO technique is a reliable option for treating distal third humeral shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Non-surgical functional treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly.

We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a consecutive cohort of patients aged > 70 years with a displaced fracture of the olecranon, which was treated non-operatively with early mobilisation. We identified 28 such patients (27 women) with a mean age of 82 years (71 to 91). The elbow was initially immobilised in an above elbow cast in 90° of flexion of the elbow for a mean of five days. The cast was then replaced by a sling. Active mobilisation was encouraged as tolerated. No formal rehabilitation was undertaken. At a mean follow-up of 16 months (12 to 26), the mean ranges of flexion and extension were 140° and 15° respectively. On a visual analogue scale of 1 (no pain) to 10, the mean pain score was 1 (0 to 8). Of the original 28 patients 22 developed nonunion, but no patients required surgical treatment. We conclude that non-operative functional treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly gives good results and a high rate of satisfaction.

Comparative clinical study of locking screws versus smooth locking pegs in volar plating of distal radius fractures.

The present study was performed to test the null hypothesis on no difference in stability of fixation after volar plating of intra-articular distal radius fractures (AO C2-C3) with either locking smooth pegs or locking screws in a clinical setting. A retrospective evaluation included adult patients with C2-C3 AO fractures treated with a volar plate with locking smooth pegs or locking screws. Radiographic assessment was performed to evaluate extra- and intra-articular parameters in the early postoperative period and after bone union. Twenty-seven consecutive patients were included. Thirteen cases had fixation with locking screws and 14 had fixation with locking smooth pegs. Both groups had bone fragment displacement after fixation. However, there were no significant differences between the groups either in extra- or intra-articular parameters defined by Kreder et al. (1996). Our study shows that, in a clinical setting, there is no difference in stability fixation between locking screws or smooth locking pegs in C2-C3 distal radius fractures.

Bilateral rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. A case report.

Bilateral rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) is a rare entity and the few cases that have been reported were associated with an underlying systemic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or following an injury. We present the case of a patient who was referred to us with a spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon of the right wrist and that of the left side observed 2 months after tenosynovectomy. The patient had not any pathologic condition or evidence of trauma in both wrists. In the left side, he was operated on and a tenolysis and subcutaneous tendon transposition was performed. Despite this preventive surgery, the patient suffered from a tendon rupture. The possible causes of surgery failure are discussed.