Sport and sexual recovery after total hip arthroplasty in young adults: a retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the main treatment for end-stage degenerative hip arthrosis in the elderly, while became increasingly performed as treatment of secondary arthrosis in younger patients, a population at high functional requests in terms of resumption of physical activity and resumption of sexual activity. This study evaluates the physical, sports recovery and the sexual quality of life in young patients undergoing primary THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing primary THA aged between 18 and 45, operated in a 10 year timeframe, were selected. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was assessed before and after the surgery. The UCLA Activity Score was collected, sport participation in pre and post-operative period was acquired. The quality of sexual activity (SQoL) before and after surgery was analysed through a qualitative questionnaire. Collected data were also compared on the surgical approach, namely Direct Anterior (DAA), Postero-Lateral (PL) and Direct lateral (DL). RESULTS: The population consisted of 242 THA implanted in 232 patients, including 143 males and 89 females, with an average age of 37.4. The mean follow-up period was 51.0 months, with a minimum of 2.9 months and a maximum of 122.6 months. Postoperatively, the average HHS was 90.29 ± 0.9 points, compared to 62.43 ± 1.34 points preoperatively (p < 0.001). The UCLA Activity Score in the postoperative period was 7.17 ± 0.17 matching to intermediate impact sport activity. The 64% of patients reported an improvement in SQoL after-surgery, 73% of which being females that show a significant improvement in SQoL compared to males (p = 0.046). By surgical approach comparison, DAA patients demonstrated better UCLA Activity Score (p = 0.037) and Return to sport (p = 0.027) compared to PL and DL. CONCLUSION: Primary THA surgery in young adults can improve the level of physical activity and promote the involvement of subjects in moderate impact sports. Patients showed a better quality of sexual life compared to the preoperative period, an effect more evident in female patients.

A Registry Study On Acetabular Revisions Using Jumbo Cups: Do We Really Need A More Complex Revision Strategy?

BACKGROUND: The increasing global performance of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has led to a corresponding rise in revision surgeries, primarily due to cup implant failure, with aseptic loosening and periprosthetic infection being common causes. Various techniques and implants, including jumbo cups (JCs), are employed to manage residual bone loss post-cup removal, facilitating enhanced surface area for improved host bone contact and biological osteointegration. The purpose of the present study was to determine the outcomes of acetabular revision arthroplasty using JC implants over a 20-year follow-up period by reporting overall survival, complications leading to re-revision surgery, and surgical strategy in the case of re-revision. METHODS: A cohort study based on a large regional registry was conducted, examining revision THA surgeries utilizing JCs between 2000 and 2020. The study included all the revision acetabular procedures performed with cementless JCs, identified with a diameter ≥ 62 mm in women or ≥ 66 mm in men. All iliac fixation cups were excluded. Data on demographics, revision surgery indications, components, fixation types, causes of failure, and reintervention strategies were collected and analyzed. A total of 541 JCs implanted from January 2000 to December 2020 were evaluated. The most common revision indications were "cup aseptic loosening" (54.5%) and "total aseptic loosening," which included both the cup and stem (32%). RESULTS: Jumbo cup survival rates were 92.5% at 5 years, 85.8% at 10 years, and 81.5% at 15 years. Among the 70 failures, the main causes were "cup aseptic loosening" (40%), "total aseptic loosening" (17.1%), and "septic loosening" (12.8%). Revisions primarily involved acetabular cup revision surgery (54 cases), component explantation (11 cases), or insert/head revision (5 cases). CONCLUSIONS: This registry-based study of JCs in revision THA demonstrates excellent 15-year survival rates and acceptable failure rates. It supports JCs as a viable option, offering relative surgical simplicity compared to alternatives like anti-protrusion cages, bone grafts, and augments.

Leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty performed by direct anterior approach: a systematic review comparing surgical approaches and strategies for prevention.

Purpose: Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common complication following total hip arthroplasty (THA). The direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is gaining popularity due to its advantages, but there is limited research on the incidence and size of LLD. This systematic review aims to explore the differences in LLD between DAA and other approaches, as well as the techniques to control LLD in DAA. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies comparing THA by DAA with other surgical approaches and investigating methods to control LLD in DAA, following PRISMA guidelines and a priori registration on PROSPERO (CRD42023412644). The quality of the included studies was assessed. Data on preoperative and postoperative LLD and other relevant outcomes were extracted and analyzed descriptively. Results: In total, 29 studies were included in this systematic review. The majority (86%) were classified as level IV evidence. Comparisons between DAA and posterior approach (PA) or anterolateral approach (ALA) showed DAA had lower rates of LLD >10 mm compared to PA and ALA. Different pre- and intra-operative techniques were evaluated, but no consensus on the best method for preventing LLD in DAA was reached. Conclusion: DAA shows comparable or superior results in the prevention of LLD compared to other surgical approaches. Supine patient placement, direct leg measurement, and the use of IF contribute to these outcomes. Intraoperative fluoroscopy with a grid and preoperative planning offers a good option, especially for training purposes, but its role in preventing LLD by experienced DAA surgeons needs further investigation.

Stem revision vs. internal fixation in Vancouver B2/B3 periprosthetic hip fractures: systematic review and metanalysis.

INTRODUCTION: Vancouver B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures (PFF) are associated with stem instability and often require a demanding stem implant revision (SR) or internal fixation (ORIF). This latter surgery is increasingly performed in the last few years instead of SR, but it is unclear which is the best treatment to manage PFF patients. The aim of this study is the compare the outcomes of B2/B3 PFF managed by either ORIF or SR, by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of current literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cochrane Database, PubMed, Google Scholar and MEDLINE were examined to find out relevant publications dealing with the different outcomes of SR vs. ORIF in B2/B3 PFF of the hip. The effect model (EM) was calculated using Cohen´s d index. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, reporting on a total of 1629 patients (564 ORIF and 1065 SR). The pooled random EM estimates for reoperation was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.39-1.96; I2 = 78%) in favor of ORIF surgery; EM for complications was 1.01 (95% CI, 0.45-2.27; I2 = 85%) without difference among procedures. The EM for transfusion was 0.72 (95% CI, 0.46-1.12; I2 = 62%) in favor of fixation. CONCLUSION: ORIF and SR were both suitable and effective options in PFF patients, being associated to similar complications rates. Our results show that ORIF performance in PFF patients is associated to significantly less in blood loss, surgical time and in-hospital stay. These advantages are particularly appealing in patients with multiple comorbidities.

Efficacy of Bisphosphonates in Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The scientific literature suggests that, if periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) is not treated, it may have a negative impact on the results of a total hip replacement and possibly result in failure. This systematic review aimed to determine the efficacy of using bisphosphonates preventatively to limit PPO after a total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A PICOS template was developed to ensure a structured approach. A search for relevant studies was performed across four databases, including Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane. They were all last searched on March 1st and were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised studies. RESULTS: The final analysis included seven studies with a total of 126 study group participants and 144 control group participants. The studies looked at Bony Mass Density in terms of bone loss on Gruen's femoral zones after THA in a bisphosphonate (treatment) and control group (placebo/no treatment). The analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in favour of the bisphosphonate group in many of the included studies at 6, 12, and 24 postoperative months. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis, using the most recent applicable studies, showed the efficacy of bisphosphonates in limiting periprosthetic osteolysis after THA in a period between 6 and 24 postoperative months. Future studies should focus increasing group sizes and collecting results beyond the 2-year mark.

Should we be concerned when the anterior approach to the hip goes accidentally medial? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach is increasingly used for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to its minimally invasive nature and rapid recovery time. Difficulties in identifying the correct intermuscular interval can arise during the procedure, sometimes resulting in excessive medial exposure. This study aimed to evaluate demographics and risk factors, outcomes, and potential complications in those THA patients in which a medialized approach was performed. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of anterior THA to identify cases where the surgical approach to the hip was more medial than the standard interval. Demographic data, operative time, blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative complications, radiographic findings were collected and compared with a control group of 50 THA performed using the standard anterior intermuscular interval. RESULTS: In a series of 1,450 anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures performed between January 2018 and December 2021, with an average follow-up of 33 ± 22.3 months, six patients (0.4%) had a medialized surgical interval. In one case the superficial layer was medial to the sartorious muscle while in the other five cases, the interval was lateral to the sartorius superficially, and medial to the rectus femoris deeply. Four out of 6 patients (66.6%) showed neuropraxia affecting the femoral nerve, and 3 out of 6 (50%) had involvement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. In 6 out of 6 patients (100%), surgery was performed during the learning curve of DAA. No patients in the control group developed femoral nerve neuropraxia, and 2 out of 50 patients (4%) showed involvement of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The anterior approach can rarely result in excessive medial exposure to the hip joint, especially during the learning curve. In our study cohort, an increased rate of neurological complications and reduced outcomes were observed, thereby rendering this event of particular clinical significance. To avoid unconventional intermuscular intervals, patient positioning and correct identification of the muscle bellies by recognizing the orientation of the muscle fibers are useful, together with the identification and ligation of the circumflex vessels, to ensure the identification of the correct intermuscular interval.

The involvement of signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: An update.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common disabling pathologies, characterized by joint pain and reduced function, significantly worsening the quality of life. Even if important progresses have been made in OA research, little is yet known about the precise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying OA. Understanding dysregulated signaling networks and their crosstalk in OA may offer a strong opportunity for the development of combined targeted therapies. Hence, this review highlights the recent findings on the main pathways involved in OA development, including Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, MAPK, AMPK, and JAK/STAT, providing insights on current targeted therapies in OA patients' management. The translational potential of this article: The identification of key signaling pathways involved in OA development and the investigation of their signaling crosstalk could pave the way for more effective treatments and improved management of OA patients in the future.

Anterior Minimally Invasive Approach (AMIS) for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Analysis of the First 1000 Consecutive Patients Operated at a High Volume Center.

(1) Background: Direct anterior approach (DAA) has recently acquired popularity through improvements such as the anterior minimally invasive surgical technique (AMIS). This retrospective study examines the first 1000 consecutive THAs performed utilizing the AMIS approach in a high-volume center between 2012 and 2017. (2) Methods: 1000 consecutive THAs performed at a single institution utilizing the AMIS approach were retrospectively analyzed with a minimum five-year follow-up. Full evaluation of demographic information, clinical parameters, intraoperative complications, and radiological examinations are reported. (3) Results: Overall complication rate was 9.4% (94/1000), including 8 dislocations, 57 femoral-cutaneous nerve injuries, 12 intraoperative femoral fractures, 9 infections and 8 leg length discrepancy. Implant survival rates were 98.5% at 1 year, 97.5% at 3 years, 97% at 5 years, and 95.3% at 7 years. Causes of failure included periprosthetic fractures (0.8%), implant dislocations (0.6%), septic loosening (0.5%), aseptic mobilizations (0.2%), and symptomatic limb length discrepancies (0.2%). (4) Conclusions: Controversies persist around the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA, primarily regarding the increased complications rate during the learning curve. However, this study advocates for widespread adoption of the DAA approach. The results demonstrate acceptable complication rates and remarkable functional outcomes, affirming its viability in the broader orthopedic patient population.

Are there gender-specific differences in hip and knee cartilage composition and degeneration? A systematic literature review.

The aim of the present review is to systematically analyse the current literature about gender differences in hip or knee cartilage composition and degeneration, to help explaining how and why osteoarthritis affects women more often and more severely than men. A systematic review of the literature in English was performed. Eleven studies on 1962 patients (905 females and 787 males) that reported differences on cartilage composition between males and females were included. Nine evaluated the knee, one the hip, and one both. They were heterogeneous in their methods: one conducted histological analyses, and all the others evaluated cartilage characteristics (volume, width, and composition) through magnetic resonance imaging. All authors reported gender differences in both volume and morphology of the cartilage, from infancy to menopause. In fact, a study on 92 healthy children statistically showed significant gender differences in cartilage thickness at all sites, even after adjustment for age, body, and bone size. Gender differences become more evident after menopause, when women have a lower cartilage volume and a higher cartilage loss. Men show significantly higher knee and hip cartilage volumes than women, and women carry a significantly greater risk to develop osteoarthritis. This is in part due to body and bone size, but also depends on qualitative and quantitative differences in the composition of cartilage and its degeneration rate after menopause. Structural changes in cartilage that occur between genders during ageing have significance in the development of osteoarthritis.

Collagen VI Deficiency Impairs Tendon Fibroblasts Mechanoresponse in Ullrich Congenital Muscular Dystrophy.

The pericellular matrix (PCM) is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds cells. Interactions with the PCM enable the cells to sense and respond to mechanical signals, triggering a proper adaptive response. Collagen VI is a component of muscle and tendon PCM. Mutations in collagen VI genes cause a distinctive group of inherited skeletal muscle diseases, and Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD) is the most severe form. In addition to muscle weakness, UCMD patients show structural and functional changes of the tendon PCM. In this study, we investigated whether PCM alterations due to collagen VI mutations affect the response of tendon fibroblasts to mechanical stimulation. By taking advantage of human tendon cultures obtained from unaffected donors and from UCMD patients, we analyzed the morphological and functional properties of cellular mechanosensors. We found that the length of the primary cilia of UCMD cells was longer than that of controls. Unlike controls, in UCMD cells, both cilia prevalence and length were not recovered after mechanical stimulation. Accordingly, under the same experimental conditions, the activation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is related to cilia activity, was impaired in UCMD cells. Finally, UCMD tendon cells exposed to mechanical stimuli showed altered focal adhesions, as well as impaired activation of Akt, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and mechanoresponsive genes downstream of YAP. By exploring the response to mechanical stimulation, for the first time, our findings uncover novel unreported mechanistic aspects of the physiopathology of UCMD-derived tendon fibroblasts and point at a role for collagen VI in the modulation of mechanotransduction in tendons.

Hip-spine relationship: clinical evidence and biomechanical issues.

The hip-spine relationship is a critical consideration in total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures. While THA is generally successful in patient, complications such as instability and dislocation can arise. These issues are significantly influenced by the alignment of implant components and the overall balance of the spine and pelvis, known as spinopelvic balance. Patients with alteration of those parameters, in particular rigid spines, often due to fusion surgery, face a higher risk of THA complications, with an emphasis on complications in instability, impingement and dislocation. For these reasons, over the years, computer modelling and simulation techniques have been developed to support clinicians in the different steps of surgery. The aim of the current review is to present current knowledge on hip-spine relationship to serve as a common platform of discussion among clinicians and engineers. The offered overview aims to update the reader on the main critical aspects of the issue, from both a theoretical and practical perspective, and to be a valuable introductory tool for those approaching this problem for the first time.

The Medium- to Long-Term Results of Vascular-Sparing Subcapital Osteotomy (VASSCO) for Pediatric Patients with Chronic Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis.

Background: In patients affected by chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (C-SCFE), the performance of a subcapital osteotomy is an effective procedure to correct the deformity at the proximal femur. However, the rate of postoperative complications is very high, with iatrogenic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVN) being the most bothersome. To overcome the risk of AVN, the modified Dunn procedure according to Ganz and, more recently, the Vascular Sparing Subcapital Osteotomy (VASSCO) technique have been proposed; however, only short-term follow-up studies are available on the latter technique being used. The aim of this study is therefore to show our mid-term clinical and radiological results with the VASSCO technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients underwent VASSCO for moderate or severe stable C-SCFE between 2012 and April 2016 with an average 10-year follow-up (range 8-12 years). The outcomes was evaluated using the HHS and pre- and postoperative ROM. The radiological outcomes and complications were collected. Results: No major intraoperative complications occurred; three patients reported postoperative transient apraxia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which completely recovered in six months. All the radiological outcomes showed substantial improvement postoperatively. One case patient developed AVN of the femoral head and required a total hip arthroplasty after 12 years. Conclusions: The current data suggest that VASSCO osteotomy is a reliable technique with very good clinical results at mid-term follow-up; it could be considered a valuable alternative to using more complex techniques to restore the proximal femoral anatomy in moderate to severe C-SCFE.

Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Severe Crowe IV Dysplasia: Retrospective Clinical and Radiological Study.

Background and Objectives: total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe IV hip dysplasia poses challenges due to severe leg shortening, muscle retraction and bone stock issues, leading to an increased neurological complication, and revision rate. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is used for minimally invasive THA but its role in Crowe IV dysplasia is unclear. This retrospective study examines if DAA effectively restores hip biomechanics in Crowe IV dysplasia patients with <4 cm leg length discrepancy, managing soft tissue and yielding functional improvement, limb length correction, and limited complications. Materials and Methods: 19 patients with unilateral Crowe IV hip osteoarthritis and <4 cm leg length discrepancy undergoing DAA THA were reviewed. Surgery involved gradual soft tissue release, precise acetabular cup positioning, and stem placement without femoral osteotomy. Results: results were evaluated clinically and radiographically, with complications recorded. Follow-up revealed significant Harris Hip Score and limb length discrepancy improvements. Abductor muscle insufficiency was present in 21%. The acetabular component was accurately placed, centralizing the prosthetic joint's rotation. Complications occurred in 16% of cases, including fractures, nerve issues, and infection. DAA in THA showcased positive outcomes for hip function, limb length, and biomechanics in Crowe IV dysplasia. Conclusions: the technique enabled accurate cup positioning and rotation center adjustment. Complications were managed well without implant revisions. DAA is a viable option for Crowe IV dysplasia, restoring hip function, biomechanics, and reducing limb length discrepancy. Larger, longer studies are needed for validation.

Cementless Primary Stems in Revision Hip Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review.

Cementless primary stems in revision hip arthroplasties may be conservative options to preserve bone stock and provide adequate reconstruction of the hip biomechanics. However, there is still little evidence about indications, limitations, and outcomes. This narrative review showed that conventional standard stems were adopted in different revision settings, up to Paprosky IIIA grade bone defects. In cases of acceptable metaphyseal bone stock, when a scratch fit of at least 4 cm can be achieved, a conventional cementless stem may be an adequate solution. Mid-term clinical and radiographic outcomes and survival rates were similar to long revision stems, whereas complications, surgical time, and costs were lower among conventional stems. However, unsuitable contexts for conventional stems included canal diameters larger than 18 mm and failed revision stems with cortical weakening. Even short stems can be considered in revisions, in order to preserve bone stock and stay proximal to femoral remodeling zones and bone/cement plugs. Short stems were successfully adopted up to Paprosky IIIA bone defects, achieving mid-term survival rates not inferior to long revision stems. Ageing, osteoporosis, and intraoperative femoral fractures were the main negative prognostic factors. In very select cases, a downsizing technique (from longer to shorter stems) may be adopted to simplify the procedure and reduce complications.

Long-term survival and complication rate of cementless prosthetic stems in primary total hip arthroplasty categorized by types according to Mont classification: a regional registry-based study on 53,626 implants.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective registry-based study is to assess survival and causes of failure of cementless stem implants used in total hip arthroplasty (THAs), to ascertain if there are differences when these are categorized according to the six types described by Mont. METHODS: Data collected from the regional registry regarding all primary THAs performed from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed. Femoral prosthetic stems were divided into the six types of Mont classification. For each stem type, number of implants, survival and causes of failure were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The most frequently implanted stem type was the 3c type (53.4%). Type 1 had the lowest stem failure rate (1.6%), and type 6 showed the highest (3.9%). Periprosthetic fracture was the most frequent complication in type 6, accounting for 34.5% of failures. Aseptic loosening was the main complication in type 2 stems, accounting for 36.4% of failures. Pairwise comparisons showed significant higher survival of type 1 compared to type 3c (p = 0.000026) and type 6 (p = 0.000076), and between type 3a compared to type 3c (p = 0.03) and type 6 (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Significant variations in implant survival rates were found among the six Mont-types of cementless stems. These findings emphasize the paramount importance of stem design and fixation area in determining long-term survival, providing a guidance for orthopedic surgeons in the selection of the most appropriate stem for primary THA, contributing to our understanding of cementless stem performance, presenting invaluable insights to further improve patient outcomes in THA surgery.

Role of biophysical stimulation in multimodal management of vertebral compression fractures.

Raised life expectancy and aging of the general population are associated with an increased concern for fragility fractures due to factors such as osteoporosis, reduced bone density, and an higher risk of falls. Among these, the most frequent are vertebral compression fractures (VCF), which can be clinically occult. Once the diagnosis is made, generally thorough antero-posterior and lateral views of the affected spine at the radiographs, a comprehensive workup to assess the presence of a metabolic bone disease or secondary causes of osteoporosis and bone frailty is required. Treatment uses a multimodal management consisting of a combination of brace, pain management, bone metabolism evaluation, osteoporosis medication and has recently incorporated biophysical stimulation, a noninvasive technique that uses induced electric stimulation to improve bone recovery through the direct and indirect upregulation of bone morphogenic proteins, stimulating bone formation and remodeling. It contributes to the effectiveness of the therapy, promoting accelerated healing, supporting the reduction of bed rest and pain medications, improving patients' quality of life, and reducing the risk to undergo surgery in patients affected by VCFs. Therefore, the aim of this review is to outline the fundamental concepts of multimodal treatment for VCF, as well as the present function and significance of biophysical stimulation in the treatment of VCF patients.

Outcomes of direct anterior approach for uncemented total hip replacement in medial femoral neck fractures: a retrospective comparative study on the first 100 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: With the aging of the population, the incidence of medial femoral neck fractures is likely to increase, and along them the need for total hip replacement. The present study aimed to analyze whether the use of the direct anterior hip approach, compared with posterolateral approach in medial proximal femur fracture patients, results in any advantage in terms of complications rate and functional recovery. METHODS: A total of 162 patients were included in the study, and divided by approach: 100 performed with direct anterior approach (group A) and 62 with posterolateral approach (group B). The two populations were overlapping in age (75 vs 74 years; p = 0.13), sex (58F 42M vs 46F 16M; p = 0.12) and BMI (24 vs 24; p = 0.77). RESULTS: Group A showed a higher ASA score compared to group B (3 vs 2; p = 0.04). Similar hospital stays (7 vs 7 days; p = 0.55) and complication rates (6% vs 8%; p = 0.61) were observed among groups, the most frequent being periprosthetic fractures, and need for allogeneic blood transfusion (20% vs 13%; p = 0.25). Patients in group A (96 vs 85 min; p = 0.10) showed a slightly, longer surgical time and a faster postoperative functional recovery witnessed by the ability to climb stairs at hospital discharge (37% vs 21%; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The use of the direct anterior hip approach was effective in the management of frail patients with medial femoral neck fractures managed by total hip arthroplasty, allowing faster functional recovery in the elderly population.

New Clinical and Immunofluoresence Data of Collagen VI-Related Myopathy: A Single Center Cohort of 69 Patients.

Pathogenetic mechanism recognition and proof-of-concept clinical trials were performed in our patients affected by collagen VI-related myopathies. This study, which included 69 patients, aimed to identify innovative clinical data to better design future trials. Among the patients, 33 had Bethlem myopathy (BM), 24 had Ullrich congenital muscular dystrophy (UCMD), 7 had an intermediate phenotype (INTM), and five had myosclerosis myopathy (MM). We obtained data on muscle strength, the degree of contracture, immunofluorescence, and genetics. In our BM group, only one third had a knee extension strength greater than 50% of the predicted value, while only one in ten showed similar retention of elbow flexion. These findings should be considered when recruiting BM patients for future trials. All the MM patients had axial and limb contractures that limited both the flexion and extension ranges of motion, and a limitation in mouth opening. The immunofluorescence analysis of collagen VI in 55 biopsies from 37 patients confirmed the correlation between collagen VI defects and the severity of the clinical phenotype. However, biopsies from the same patient or from patients with the same mutation taken at different times showed a progressive increase in protein expression with age. The new finding of the time-dependent modulation of collagen VI expression should be considered in genetic correction trials.

Acupuncture as an alternative or in addition to conventional treatment for chronic non-specific low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Conventional therapies (CTs), pharmacological (PH) and non-pharmacological (NPH), do not always achieve benefits in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP). We assessed efficacy and safety of acupuncture for CLBP as alternative or addition to CT. Methods: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture alone or in combination with CT to CT. We searched Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase up to May 2022. We assessed risk of bias with the original Cochrane tool and GRADE certainty of evidence. Results were pooled through meta-analysis. Results: Ten RCTs (2122 participants) were included comparing acupuncture versus CT and 4 RCTs (374 participants) were comparing acupuncture plus CT to CT alone. In terms of comparing acupuncture with NPH or PH, no differences were found for pain and disability. Comparing acupuncture with PH and NPH combined, pain and disability were reduced (SMD=-0.50, 95% CI -0.62 to -0.37; SMD=-0.71, 95% CI -1.17 to -0.24). Comparing acupuncture plus NPH with NPH alone, pain and disability were reduced (SMD=-0.70, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.46; SMD=-0.95, 95% CI -1.36 to -0.54). Comparing acupuncture plus PH with PH alone, pain and disability were reduced (MD=-0.21, 95% CI -433.28 to -10.42; MD=-3.1, 95% CI -4.87 to -1.83). Comparing acupuncture plus combined treatment versus combined treatment alone, no differences were found in pain, while disability was reduced (MD=-3.40 95% CI -5.17 to -1.63). No studies assessed adverse event. Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Conclusions: We are uncertain whether acupuncture is more effective and safer than CT. In the comparisons without estimates' imprecision, acupuncture showed promising results. Acupuncture could be an option based on patients' preferences.

Impact of previous lumbar spine surgery on total hip arthroplasty and vice versa: How long should we be concerned about mechanical failure?

INTRODUCTION: This registry study aims to assess the prevalence and demographic characteristics of patients with lumbar spine (LS) surgical procedures who undergo total hip arthroplasty (THA), to compare the long-term survival and causes of failure of THA in patients who previously underwent LS fusion and non-fusion surgical procedures, and to evaluate the risk of undergoing a revision LS surgery after THA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent LS surgery followed by THA were identified by cross-referencing data from the Orthopedic Prosthetic Implants Registry and the Regional Hospital Discharge Database. Three groups of THA patients were identified: patients who underwent previous lumbar surgery with fusion (LS fusion-THA), without fusion (LS non-fusion-THA), and a control group with only THA (No LS surgery-THA). Demographic data, THA survival, number and causes of failure, and data on revision procedures on THA and LS were collected. RESULTS: Of the total of 79,984 THA, 2.2% of patients had a history of LS procedures. THA only patients showed better results, while patients in the LS fusion-THA group had worse implant survival at 5-year follow-up. In the LS fusion-THA and LS non-fusion-THA, mechanical THA failures were more frequent in the first two years after implantation. There were no differences between groups regarding the risk of undergoing LS revision surgery. CONCLUSIONS: LS surgery negatively affects THA survivorship. In patients who previously underwent LS fusion and non-fusion surgical procedures, most THA failure occurs in the first two years after implant. The study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between the hip and the LS and provides useful guidance for clinical practice.