Severe heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty in male patients under 70 years of age: effectiveness of prophylactic protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of clinically significant heterotopic ossification (HO) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), comparing outcomes with and without the adoption of an HO prophylactic protocol in male patients under 70 years of age. METHODS: The prophylactic protocol involved the administration of 50 mg of Indomethacin twice daily for 3 weeks. HO presence was classified according to the Brooker classification system, considering "severe" clinically significant HO (Brooker grade 3 and 4). RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were included in our study, and an overall HO rate of 68.2% versus a rate of 61.5% was found respectively in patients not subjected and subjected to prophylactic protocol, without significant difference (PR 0.062). However, patients not subjected to the HO prophylactic protocol exhibited a severe HO rate of 22.4% compared to 7.7% in the prophylactic group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that prophylactic protocol adoption is significantly associated with lower rate of severe HO in male patients under 70 years of age. Currently, there are no orthopedic guidelines for the prevention and management of HO after THA, but in the absence of contraindications, the adoption of a prophylactic protocol for HO should always be considered in high-risk patients.

Functional and subjective outcomes after surgical management of complex elbow dislocations: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Dislocations of the elbow are the second most frequent upper-body injury after shoulder dislocations, comprising 11-28% of all elbow injuries. Complex elbow dislocations pose challenging management due to the involvement of critical stabilizing structures. This study aimed to investigate functional and subjective outcomes (MEPS, DASH, Oxford score) in 44 patients with complex elbow dislocations who underwent surgery between 2018 and 2020, with subgroup analysis focusing on gender and age differences. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients treated at C.T.O. Hospital, Turin, for complex elbow dislocations between January 2018 and December 2020. Surgical approaches included radial head synthesis, coronoid fixation, ligamentous repair, and ulnar nerve management. Postoperatively, patients followed a standardized or individualized program. Data analysis involved t-tests to assess score differences between subgroups. RESULTS: Among the 44 analyzed patients, the mean age was 48 years, and the mean follow-up time was 29 months. Various types of complex dislocations were identified, with radial head and coronoid fractures classified accordingly. Surgical approaches included multiple methods of reduction and synthesis. While most patients adhered to postoperative programs, subsequent reoperations were conducted in 11% of cases. Scores did not significantly differ between genders, although a trend toward better DASH scores in males was observed. Younger patients showed better, though not statistically significant, outcomes in mobility and functional measures. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the importance of pre-operative assessment for positive surgical outcomes in complex elbow dislocations. Additionally, findings suggest that younger age may correlate with slightly better functional outcomes. Despite limitations such as retrospective design and sample size, the study enhances our understanding of complex dislocation outcomes and provides valuable insights for future interventions.

Challenges in Total Hip Arthroplasty with Prior Spinal Arthrodesis: A Comprehensive Review of Biomechanics, Complications, and Surgical Strategies.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has revolutionized patients' lives with hip osteoarthritis. However, the increasing prevalence of THA in individuals with prior lumbar arthrodesis (LA) poses unique challenges. This review delves into the biomechanical alterations, complications, and surgical strategies specific to this patient subset, highlighting the need for tailored preoperative assessments and planning. Due to altered pelvic and spinal biomechanics, patients with LA undergoing THA face a higher risk of dislocation and revision. The complex interplay between spinal and hip biomechanics underscores the need for meticulous preoperative planning. Comprehensive clinical examination and radiographic evaluation are vital for understanding patient-specific challenges. Various radiographic techniques, including computed tomography (CT)/X-ray matching and standing/seated studies, provide insights into postural changes affecting pelvic and spinal alignment. Complications following THA in patients with LA highlight the necessity for personalized surgical strategies. Careful consideration of implant selection, the surgical approach, and component positioning are essential to prevent complications. In summary, THA in patients with prior LA demands individualized preoperative assessments and planning. This approach is crucial to optimize outcomes and mitigate the heightened risks of complications, underlining the importance of tailored surgical strategies.

Flexor Tendon Pulley Injuries: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Current Treatment Options.

Closed injuries of the finger flexor pulley system are rare among the general population, and most of them occur during rock climbing. During the last few decades, scientific interest on this topic has increased. We conducted a systematic review of the literature according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The research was limited from January 2000 to March 2022. PubMed and Scopus databases were investigated for full-text articles published in English, French, and Italian using the following MeSH terms: ([pulley rupture] OR [finger pulley lesion]) AND ([injur*] OR [ruptur*] OR [damage] OR [trauma*]). Initial screening results identified 461 studies, among which 172 were included after including additional records identified through other sources and excluding repeated studies. Finally, four clinical studies were included in the analysis. The methodological quality of the articles was evaluated through the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS) score. Our search identified four studies that enrolled a total of 189 patients, of whom 164 were male and 25 were female. We finally examined 154 patients with a total of 208 pulleys damaged. Except for the thumb, all fingers were involved. Depending on the type of flexor pulley injury, graded with Schöffl classification, 69 patients underwent a surgical procedure, whereas 85 patients were treated conservatively. Closed finger pulleys injury occurred in rock climbers and non - rock climbers. All patients had excellent results on the Buck-Gramcko score regardless of the return to sports activity. Considering the overall outcomes of the reviewed articles, functional results were satisfactory in both conservative and surgical treatment. Moreover, in grade 3 and 4, surgical results were positive regardless of the specific technique used for finger pulley reconstruction. Only minor complications were reported. Closed flexor tendon pulley injuries require a careful clinical and imaging examination to confirm the diagnosis. In most cases, positive clinical results can be achieved with either conservative or surgical therapy.

Unstable lesions of the forearm: Terminology, evaluative score and synoptic table.

The term "unstable lesions of the forearm" (ULF) was born to more easily describe how a partial or complete instability of the forearm unit might occur due to a traumatic loss of the transverse or longitudinal connection between the radius and ulna. For such an alteration to occur, at least two of the three main osteoligamentous locks (proximal, middle and distal) must be interrupted, often in association with a radial and/or ulnar fracture. Examining the historical patterns (Monteggia, Galeazzi, Essex-Lopresti and criss-cross lesions) and variants described in the literature, out of a total of 586 recorded interventions for forearm trauma, two elbow teams and one wrist team selected 75 cases of ULF. The aim was to describe the instability depending on its clinical and radiographic features, together with the anatomopathological evolution of the lesions based on the time of diagnosis and treatment. The clinical results, evaluated using a new score (FIPS) the Forearm Italian Performance, revealed a correlation between earlier diagnosis and treatment and a better score. The authors suggest a synoptic table that describes 1) the type of instability (proximal transverse, distal transverse, longitudinal and transverse, proximal and distal transverse), 2) classic patterns and variants with characteristic lesions and evolution over time (acute, chronic dynamic, chronic static) and 3) the three forearm constraints and segmental involvement of radius and/or ulna using an alphanumeric classification. Finally, some generic surgical suggestions are proposed.

Candida periprosthetic infection of the knee: a systematic review of surgical treatments and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Candida periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a rare cause of prosthesis revision with severe consequences and challenging treatment. This study aims to produce a systematic analysis of types of treatment and outcome of knee Candida PJIs and their correlation with specific pathogen species. METHODS: During April 2021, a literature search was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. Reviewers used the Oxford Level of Evidence (LoE) and Methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) score. Modal value of surgical, pharmacological treatment and outcome along with the correlation between types of treatment and outcome was calculated through Chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In total, 115 cases were collected through 51 articles, identifying 116 pathogens. Candida albicans was the most frequent pathogen. Analysis of LoE reveals 40 LoE 5 and 11 LoE 4. Thirteen patients underwent one-stage revision, 46 patients two-stage revision, 6 patients resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis, 4 patients long-term antifungal therapy, and 3 patients debridement with prosthesis retention. Global rate of success was 85.14%. Modal distribution revealed a preference for two-stage revision and Fluconazole in medical therapy. No difference in terms of fungal eradication was found among Candida species (p = 0.503) and for treatments except for two-stage revision and resection arthroplasty (p = 0.0125) or debridement with implant retention (p = 0.0498), and the rest of procedures and resection arthroplasty (0.0192). MINORS score was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the literature did not highlight any difference between types of surgical treatment and pathogens in terms of relapse or infection eradication. However, two-stage replacement may be preferred, allowing healing of infection in most cases.

Heterotopic ossification in primary total hip arthroplasty: risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aim is to identify if age, sex, type of posterolateral approach (mini vs standard), surgical time and time from surgery to drainage removal were independent risk factors for heterotopic ossifications after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a THA with posterolateral approach during a 15 years period were included. The exclusion criteria were absence of X-rays follow-up or HO prophylaxis protocol adoption. The following data were collected: age, sex, type of approach (classical/minimal-invasive), surgical time, time from surgery to drainage removal. Two orthopedic surgeons independently reviewed the 2 years follow-up X-rays and classified the HO according to Brooker classification. Severe HO was defined if HO were classified as major than grade 2. Correlation between severe HO and risk factor has been tested with multivariable analysis. RESULTS: About 1225 patients were included: mean age of 63.8 years, 504 were men. HO were found in 67.6%. Men showed higher severe HO rate than woman (44.1% vs 29.1%, p = 0.001). Patients older than 65 years showed higher severe HO rate (30.3% vs 39.9%, p = 0.002). Standard posterolateral approach was performed in 75.4% and severe HO rate was 32.8% versus 27.1% in those treated with the minimally invasive approach (p = 0.067). In 75.6% of cases surgery lasted less than 90 min and this group showed a severe HO rate in 29.1%, while patient with longer surgical time showed a rate of 35.7% (p = 0.033). In 47.4% of patients, the drainage was removed in the first post-operative day, in this group severe HO rate was significantly lower than the others: 24.8 versus 36.2% (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Male sex, age older than 65 years, surgical time longer than 90 min and delayed drainage removal are risk factors for severe HO. Patients with one or more of those risk factors should be identified as good candidates for HO prophylaxis.

Closed flexor pulley injuries: A literature review and current practice.

Background: Closed flexor pulley injuries are a clinical entity of great interest in hand surgery, and these lesions could be observed mainly in rock-climbing athletes. Objective: An extensive literature search of PubMed, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Web of Sciences databases on closed finger pulley rupture, related treatments, and outcomes were performed. All relevant information was used in this literature review. Conclusions: Many athletes are potentially exposed to these uncommon injuries. Therefore, these lesions require careful examination and a high index of suspicion to confirm the diagnosis and identify the degree of soft tissue injury, particularly in patients not involved in sporting activities. The data summarized in this literature review demonstrated that according to Schöffl's classification, conservative treatment should be indicated for low-grade injuries (grade 1 or 2), whereas surgical treatment should be performed in patients with more severe acute injuries (grade 4). Grade 3 flexor pulley injuries lie in a grey area where conservative and surgical treatment may give good clinical and return-to-sport patient results.

Acute Rockwood type III ACJ dislocation: Conservative vs surgical approach. A systematic review and meta-analysis of current concepts in literature.

BACKGROUND: The most appropriate approach, surgical or conservative, for acute Rockwood type III acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation is still under debate. In literature, similar results have been reported with both treatments. This review aims to analyze the operative and conservative outcomes of acute Rockwood type III ACJ dislocation to guide orthopedics in daily practice. MATERIAL/METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. A PICOS template was developed. Four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Medline) were searched, and eligible articles were evaluated according to the Levels of Evidence. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed through the ROBINS-I and the RoB-2. This review was registered in PROSPERO. RESULTS: Five studies were included, with 73 and 110 patients treated with conservative and surgical approaches, respectively. Three outcomes, Constant Score (CS), coracoclavicular distance (CCD), and acromioclavicular distance (ACD) were analyzed. Only the acromioclavicular distance was statistically significant in the surgical group over the conservative one (p < 0.05); instead, the other two outcomes demonstrated no statistical difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated statistically significant superiority of the mean ACD score in the radiological follow-up of the surgical group compared to the conservative one. A tendency for better radiological and clinical results, mean CCD and CS scores, respectively, although non statically significant, was reported in the surgical group. High-quality randomized controlled clinical trials should help determine the most appropriate treatment for acute Rockwood type III ACJ dislocations.

The eradication rate of infection in septic knee arthritis according to the Gächter Classification: a systematic review.

Introduction: Knee septic arthritis rapidly damages the knee joint. Gächter described a classification of joint infections based on arthroscopic findings: an arthroscopic staging of the common disease has prognostic and therapeutic consequences. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the application of the Gächter classification system to knee septic arthritis, evaluating prognostic and therapeutic implications of this classification. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive electronic search of the literature was performed. The following search terms were used: (Arthroscopy* OR Arthrotom* OR Aspiration) AND Knee AND Septic AND Arthritis. The study reported the Gächter classification in septic knee arthritis and the eradication rate according to the type. The primary endpoint is the eradication rate of septic knee arthritis according to the Gächter sort. Secondary endpoints are surgical procedures according to Gächter classification and the rate of re-operations. Results: Seven studies were included. The overall eradication rate of knee septic arthritis ranged from 90% to 100%: 95%-100% Gächter I; 97%-100% Gächter II; 67%-100% Gächter III; 50%-100% Gächter IV. Surgical treatments for knee septic arthritis included arthroscopic irrigation alone, articular irrigation, and debridement in knee arthroscopy or knee arthrotomy according to Gächter stage. However, 28% required re-operations for persistent infection: secondary procedures included further irrigation and debridement with the arthroscopic or arthrotomic approach. Conclusion: Gächter classification showed a crucial prognostic role in predicting the outcome of surgical treatment of septic knee arthritis. Regardless of the procedure performed, a prompt operation and an accurate debridement of the synovial membrane are the most critical factors for eradicating infection and good clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic study.

Contralateral non-simultaneous proximal femoral fractures in patients over 65 years old.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological and clinical parameters according to the Parker-Palmer Index (PPI) have not been specifically studied as predictors of re-fracture time in patients over 65 years old with contralateral hip fracture. The main purpose of this study was to assess whether these parameters could represent a prognostic factor in this population. METHODS: This retrospective study included all consecutive patients older than 65 years that suffered from a proximal femoral fracture, 31 according to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification, treated at our unit between Feb 1st 2019 and Feb 1st 2020. RESULTS: This study enrolled 387 patients. Thirty-seven of them had already incurred a contralateral hip fracture: seven males and 30 females. The median time between the first and second hip fractures was 3.5 years. This study revealed that increasing age (p = 0.003), male sex (p = 0.029) and a PPI value ≥ 5 between the first and second hip fracture (p = 0.015) are risk factors associated with a contralateral hip fracture in the first three years after the first episode. There were no statistically significant differences regarding anti-osteoporotic therapy and the anatomic site of the first hip fracture episode. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that several risk factors have a crucial role in hip re-fracture time in patients over 65 years old.

Combined simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injuries. A systematic review of the literature with injury patterns and current treatment rationale.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have allowed a great improvement in understanding elbow and forearm traumatic injuries. Simple elbow dislocations combined with forearm injuries have been occasionally reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to detect the possible patterns of simple elbow dislocations and forearm fracture-dislocations, providing a classification scheme to guide surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed search was performed to find combination of simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injury, between 2000 and 2020, including clinical studies and case report. All articles related to pediatric patient or with complex elbow dislocation were excluded. After identification, articles were analyzed for the description of injury patterns reported according to locker-based classification system of forearm joint injuries. RESULTS: Finally, 15 articles were included. Most of the patients sustained high-energy trauma. According to locker-based classification system, simple elbow dislocation was combined with: MRUJ and DRUJ Galeazzi injury (2IR.3), PRUJ and MRUJ injury (1.2I), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with ulnar shaft fracture (1.2 IU), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial and ulnar shaft fracture (1.2IRU), PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ Essex-Lopresti injury (1.2I.3), and PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR.3). Thirteen out of 15 patients undergo surgical treatment. Clinical results were overall favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Simple elbow dislocation combined with forearm joint injury is an uncommon traumatic pattern usually secondary to high-energy trauma. A thorough knowledge of elbow and forearm biomechanics, and classification of anatomical lesion is mandatory for a successful treatment.

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (M-FATS) for Improved Healing of Surgically Repaired Achilles Tendon Tears: A Preliminary Study.

INTRODUCTION: Tendon healing is a complicated process that results in inferior structural and functional properties when compared with healthy tendon; the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the adjunct of microfragmented adipose tissue (M-FATS) after the suture of a series of Achilles tendons. METHODS: After complete Achilles tendon tear, 8 patients underwent open suture repair in conjunction with perilesional application of a preparation of M-FATS rich in mesenchymal stem cells. Results were compared with a similar group of patients treated with conventional open suture. Outcomes were evaluated based on range of motion, functional recovery, and complications according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Achilles tendons were examined by ultrasound (US) at 3 months. RESULTS: The AOFAS and FADI scores showed no differences between the 2 groups. US evaluation showed quicker tendon remodeling in the M-FATS group. Adverse events were not documented for both procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of derived M-FATS for tendon rupture is safe and presents new possibilities for enhanced healing. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IIIb: Case control study.

Vitamin C Could Prevent Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I in Trauma and Orthopedic Care? A Systematic Review of the Literature and Current Findings.

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin C (VC) in preventing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS-I) in fractures or surgery of the upper and lower extremities. During December 2020, Scopus and PubMed search was performed to analyze VC supplementation in preventing CRPS-I after trauma and orthopedic care, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Study Design model, and a modified version of the Coleman Methodology Score were used to analyze the included studies. The research was limited from 1990 to December 2020. Initial screening results identified 649 studies. After reviewing each study, six clinical studies were included in the study. A total of 2026 patients of whom 632 male and 1394 female were collected in our systematic review. During the entire follow-up period, the occurrence of CRPS-I was evaluated in 1939 patients. Five of the six analyzed studies were favoring prophylactic use of the 500-1000 mg daily dose of VC for 45-50 days after orthopedic or trauma care for prevention of CRPS-I. Only one study found no benefit in VC supplementation compared with placebo to prevent CRPS-I. Analysis of the literature suggests that a daily 500-1000 mg VC supplementation may reduce the onset of CRPS-I in trauma of upper/lower extremities and in orthopedic surgery.

Rehabilitation Protocol After Hip Arthroscopy: A 2015-2020 Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Although many rehabilitation protocols after hip arthroscopy have been described, there is still significant variability about duration, goals, restrictions, and techniques to apply by the physical therapy after the surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to systematically review rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy. DESIGN: The data sources were PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were used for the systematic review. Level I-IV evidence clinical studies and clinical reviews that focused on rehabilitation protocols after hip arthroscopy have been used as study eligibility criteria. Major limitations include the retrospective nature of most of the studies selected (level IV evidence) and the use of different clinical scores to report the outcomes. RESULTS: This review showed that although a standardized guideline on rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy is still missing, the most recent studies and clinical trials are focusing on a four-phase program, which includes goals, recommendations, and a progression of exercises. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy is strongly suggested, but different authors recommended different rehabilitation programs. There is not a defined program, but as of today, the current standard of care is composed of phase-based programs.

Functional results of allograft vs. autograft tendons in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction at 10-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common sports injuries of the knee, and the arthroscopic reconstruction is the gold standard. Nevertheless, controversies about the surgical techniques and the type of graft still exist. Allografts have been considered by many surgeons as valid alternative to autografts. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of allografts compared to autografts at approximately 10 years of follow-up, investigating the level of physical activity currently performed by patients of each group. METHODS: Ninety-four patients, divided into two groups (allografts and autografts), have been retrospectively studied. The two groups did not significantly differ in preoperative sport activity level, age (mean 40.70 years for autografts and 41.23 for allografts) and characteristics. Allograft group received a fresh-frozen graft from the musculoskeletal tissues bank. Evaluations were made using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm score; every patient was interviewed for complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was approximately 10 years for both groups, with a minimum of 8 years. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Average IKDC scores were 75.21 (SD 15.36) and 80.69 (SD 13.65) for the allograft and autograft groups, respectively. The mean Lysholm score was 87.57 (SD 9.43) for the allografts and 89.10 (SD 8.33) for the autografts. No major complications linked to the allograft tissue arose. CONCLUSION: Both groups achieved almost the same functional outcomes at an average 10 years of follow-up, indicating fresh-frozen allografts as a reasonable alternative for ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, Retrospective case-control study.

Fracture-dislocations of the forearm joint: a systematic review of the literature and a comprehensive locker-based classification system.

BACKGROUND: Monteggia, Galeazzi, and Essex-Lopresti injuries are the most common types of fracture-dislocation of the forearm. Uncommon variants and rare traumatic patterns of forearm fracture-dislocations have sometimes been reported in literature. In this study we systematically review the literature to identify and classify all cases of forearm joint injury pattern according to the forearm joint and three-locker concepts. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the PubMed database was performed based on major pathological conditions involving fracture-dislocation of the forearm. Essex-Lopresti injury, Monteggia and Galeazzi fracture-dislocations, and proximal and/or distal radioulnar joint dislocations were sought. After article retrieval, the types of forearm lesion were classified using the following numerical algorithm: proximal forearm joint 1 [including proximal radioulnar joint (PRUJ) dislocation with or without radial head fractures], middle radioulnar joint 2, if concomitant radial fracture R, if concomitant interosseous membrane rupture I, if concomitant ulnar fracture U, and distal radioulnar joint 3 [including distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) dislocation with or without distal radial fractures]. RESULTS: Eighty hundred eighty-four articles were identified through PubMed, and after bibliographic research, duplication removal, and study screening, 462 articles were selected. According to exclusion criteria, 44 full-text articles describing atypical forearm fracture-dislocation were included. Three historical reviews were added separately to the process. We detected rare patterns of two-locker injuries, sometimes referred to using improper terms of variant or equivalent types of Monteggia and Galeazzi injuries. Furthermore, we identified a group of three-locker injuries, other than Essex-Lopresti, associated with ulnar and/or radial shaft fracture causing longitudinal instability. In addition to fracture-dislocations commonly referred to using historical eponyms (Monteggia, Galeazzi, and Essex-Lopresti), our classification system, to the best of the authors' knowledge, allowed us to include all types of dislocation and fracture-dislocation of the forearm joint reported in literature. According to this classification, and similarly to that of the elbow, we could distinguish between simple dislocations and complex dislocations (fracture-dislocations) of the forearm joint. CONCLUSIONS: All injury patterns may be previously identified using an alphanumeric code. This might avoid confusion in forearm fracture-dislocations nomenclature and help surgeons with detection of lesions, guiding surgical treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Third generation delta ceramic-on-ceramic bearing for total hip arthroplasty at mid-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the results of Delta ceramic-on-ceramic (CoC) for total-hip-arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: 261 THA using Delta-CoC, retrospectively analyzed. A 36 mm head was used in 189 cases and a 32/40 mm in the others. The series have been compared to a group of 89 THA with Forte-CoC. RESULTS: The Harris-Hip-Score improved from 49.1 ±â€¯14.3 to 92.0 ±â€¯8.9 (P < 0.001). In the Delta group there were one ceramic fracture and 2 dislocations. Two hips underwent revision. There were one revision in the Forte group for instability and one squeaking hip. CONCLUSIONS: The new ceramic bearings provides a safe bearing for THA, with rare complications.