Experience gained from the implementation of the fracture liaison service in Greece.

INTRODUCTION: We present the second implementation of a fracture liaison service (FLS) at a national level in Greece. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective study, organized by the Hellenic Society for the Study of Bone Metabolism, aiming to investigate the tracking and outcome of patients with low-trauma fractures visiting four university orthopedic departments across the country. The primary endpoint was the participation rate of eligible patients with low-trauma fractures in the program within a time frame of 1 year. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients initiating osteoporosis treatment, adherence to treatment, and the percentage of patients experiencing subsequent fractures. A major difference with previous reports was the designed implication of the orthopedic surgeon managing the fracture. RESULTS: Among the 1350 eligible patients with major osteoporotic fractures, only 396 (29.3%; mean age 78.1 ± 11.6 years; female/male ratio: 4.4) agreed to participate, nearly all of the latter (n = 392) completing the study. With the exception of seven patients, all participants were receiving anti-osteoporotic treatment at the end of the study. Twelve new fractures were recorded at completion of the 12-month follow-up, which were all sustained in patients who either declined to receive anti-osteoporotic treatment or who discontinued treatment despite advice to the contrary. CONCLUSION: The participation rate remains low and needs improvement. However, we report herein that whenever the treating physician is involved in the FLS structure, patients are more easily convinced to complete the program, to receive anti-osteoporotic treatment, and to stay connected throughout with the outpatient clinic.

Multiple intravenous tranexamic acid doses in total knee arthroplasty without tourniquet: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used in the orthopedic field and particularly in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Its efficacy and safety in reducing the blood loss in TKA have been well-documented in the current literature. Little data regarding TKA without tourniquet and TXA exist. Our aim is to compare three different dosages of intravenous (IV) TXA in TKA without tourniquet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 180 patients undergoing TKA for knee osteoarthritis were stratified in three equal groups. All surgeries were performed under spinal anesthesia, without tourniquet. Group A (60 patients) received 15 mg/kg of IV TXA given on induction, Group B (60 patients) received an additional dose of IV TXA (15 mg/kg) 3 h after incision and Group C (60 patients) received an additional (third) dose 3 h later (15 mg/kg). The measured outcomes were the change in hemoglobin (Hb) from pre-operatively to post-operatively, the amount of blood transfusion given (units), the functional and quality of life (QoL) and pain assessment based on their corresponding scoring system. RESULTS: Calculated blood loss, Hb decrease and transfusion rate were significantly lower in Group C (p value < 0.05). Additionally, patients that had been included in the three-dosage group benefited much more in terms of faster rehabilitation, better QoL, decreased post-operative pain, with no increase in complications. CONCLUSION: According to our results, three doses of IV TXA have effectively and safely reduced blood loss and the need of allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKA without tourniquet, with additional patients-related benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Immunoporosis: A New Role for Invariant Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells Through Overexpression of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (RANKL).

BACKGROUND Osteoporosis affects millions of postmenopausal women worldwide. Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) are important cells for bone homeostasis. The sim of this study was to investigate the contribution of invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) in the increased receptor activator of the nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) pool and bone resorption, a characteristic of patients with osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Whole blood was collected from 79 female patients. The dual energy x-absorptiometry scan was performed in all patients, and the T-score was calculated in order to classify our patients according to the World Human Organization (WHO) criteria for diagnosis and classification of osteoporosis. Eleven patients had a T-score -2.5 and were included in the osteoporosis group. We performed alpha-galactosylceramide activation of iNKT cells in vitro. Surface RANKL expression was detected by multicolor flow cytometry in naive and activated lymphocytes. Beta-Crosslaps (ß-CTx) levels were measured in whole blood plasma by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS Although iNKT cells were not clonally expanded in patients with osteoporosis, iNKT cells from osteoporotic patients overexpressed RANKL compared to ND and osteopenic patients. This is a distinctive feature of iNKT cells and is not seen in conventional T-lymphocytes. RANKL expression in iNKT cells was not related to ß-CTx levels in the blood. Finally, iNKT cell activation by the prototypal glycolipid ligand alpha-galactosylceramide increased by 8 times their RANKL expression. CONCLUSIONS In patients with osteoporosis, iNKT cells specifically overexpress RANKL, a cytokine that regulates osteoclast activity. It seems that iNKT cells have a long-standing effect of on the bone physiology, which plays an important role in the bone loss of patients with osteoporosis.

Comparison of Quality of Life Between Men and Women Who Underwent Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation.

BACKGROUND: Studies describing the efficacy of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TPED) on shortness of recovery and improvement of postoperative quality of life are limited, especially regarding gender, something that has never been reported before in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate, in accordance with the sex of the patients, possible differences in the health-related quality of life of those who underwent TPED for lumbar disc herniation (LDH). METHODS: A total of 76 patients diagnosed and treated with TPED for LDH with 1-year follow-up were selected and divided into 2 groups of equal number depending on sex. Their quality of life was evaluated by using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey before the operation, then 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. A statistical analysis was conducted, in order to compare the 8 scaled scores of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, each time combining 2 chronological phases for the total number of patients, for each group, and between groups. RESULTS: Fifty-two (68.4%) patients were ≤63 years old, whereas the other 24 (31.4%) were >63 years old (mean ± SD = 56.5 ± 12.1 years). Apart from the physical function domain, the scores were higher in every visit for the 2 groups, but the change between groups was not significant. Women had a significantly higher increase of physical function score in 3 months after TPED and in the interval 6 weeks to 3 months compared with men. However, in the intervals 3 to 6 months and 3 to 12 months, men presented a significantly higher increase compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant improvement of the quality of life for both men and women was observed. Generally, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. With regard to the physical functioning, it appears to be a significant difference that is counterpoised over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy for LDH does not present major differences in the improvement of quality of life regarding gender.

Minimally invasive versus conventional approaches in total knee replacement/arthroplasty: A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Life expectancy lengthening and aging of population resulted in dramatically increase of patients with osteoarthritis. Total knee arthroplasty is widely used as the gold standard in order to relieve pain, correct deformity and restore function. A contemporary and controversial topic, is that of minimally invasive surgery for TKA. The minimally invasive approaches are based on the concept that they don't violate the extensor mechanism, resulting in earlier functional recovery, shorter hospital stay and enhanced patients' overall satisfaction. The most commonly used MIS approaches in TKA are the subvastus, midvastus and the quadriceps sparing. There is a debate regarding the efficacy and safety of these methods. OBJECTIVE: In this article we will review the current literature (randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses) on MIS compared to traditional approach and analyse their clinical safety, efficacy and long-term results. DESIGN: Comparison of well-designed studies have tried to demonstrate the advantages/disadvantages, the clinical results and the complications of the MIS approaches compared to the MPP approach. RESULTS: MIS approaches seem to provide advantages in the immediate post-operative period accompanied by increased reports of complications. Consequently, further investigation based on large well-designed studies with long-term results are warranted to further clarify MIS effectiveness/safety.

Effect of platelet-rich plasma combined with demineralised bone matrix on bone healing in rabbit ulnar defects.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with xenogeneic demineralised bone matrix (DBM) on bone healing of critical-size ulnar defects (2-2.5 times the ulnar diameter) in New Zealand White rabbits. METHODS: Critical-size defects were created unilaterally in the ulna of 36 rabbits, while keeping the contralateral limb intact. They were divided into three groups. In Group A, the defect was filled with autologous PRP and in Group B, with autologous PRP combined with DBM; in Group C, the defect remained empty. The rabbits were euthanised 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiological, biomechanical and histological assessments were carried out and statistical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: Group B had significantly higher radiological and histological scores than Groups A and C. Defects in Group B showed significant new bone formation, whereas there was minimal or no new bone formation in Groups A and C. Only specimens in Group B showed macroscopic bone union. Biomechanical evaluation of the treated and intact contralateral limbs in Group B showed significant differences. CONCLUSION: In this study, statistically significant enhancement of bone healing was found in critical-size defects treated with PRP and DBM, as shown by radiological findings, gross assessment, and biomechanical and histopathological results. Defects in the two other groups remained unbridged. Therefore, PRP was effective only when it was used in combination with a bone graft.

Comparison of quality of life between men and women who underwent Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy for lumbar disc herniation.

BACKGROUND: Studies describing the efficacy of TPED on shortness of recovery and improvement of postoperative quality of life are limited, especially regarding gender something that has never been reported before in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate possible differences of the health-related quality of life in patients who underwent TPED for LDH in accordance with sex. METHODS: Seventy-six patients diagnosed and treated with TPED for LDH with 1 year follow-up were selected and divided into two groups of equal number depending on sex. Their quality of life was evaluated by using the SF-36 before the operation, six weeks, three, six and twelve months postoperatively. A statistical analysis was conducted, in order to compare the 8 scaled scores of the SF-36 combining each time two chronological phases in the total of patients, in each group and between groups. RESULTS: Fifty-two (68.4%) patients were ≤63 years old, while the rest 24 (31,4%) were >63 years old (mean ±SD = 56,5 ±12,1 years). Apart from the PF domain, the scores were higher in every visit for the two groups, but the change between groups was not significant. Women had a significantly higher increase of PF score in 3 months after TPED and in the interval 6 weeks-3 months comparing with men. However, in the intervals 3 months-6 months and 3 months-12 months men presented significantly higher increase compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant improvement of the quality of life for both men and women was observed. Generally, there was no significant difference between the two groups. As regards to the physical functioning, it appears to be a significant difference which is counterpoised over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: TPED for LDH does not present major differences in the improvement of quality of life regarding gender.

Simultaneous Periprosthetic Fractures of the Femur and the Acetabulum After Bipolar Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND Although periprosthetic fractures of the femur are a recognized complication of total hip arthroplasty, periprosthetic fractures of the acetabulum are rare. Simultaneous periprosthetic fractures of both the acetabulum and the femur have not been reported, to our knowledge. CASE REPORT We report a simultaneous fracture of the acetabulum and the femur in a 68-year-old female patient who had previously sustained a subcapital fracture of the femur, treated with a bipolar uncemented prosthesis. We discuss the possible mechanism of this combination of fractures. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous periprosthetic fractures of the femur and the acetabulum can occur if, in the presence of osteoporotic bone, the metallic femoral head has migrated medially in the acetabulum while the femoral stem is not loose.

Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy in Parkinson Disease: Preliminary Results and Short Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy (TPED) for lumbar disc herniation in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS: Fifteen patients diagnosed with PD and lumbar disc hernia were recruited to the study. All patients underwent TPED. Mean age was 61.27±6 years, with 8 male (53.3%) and 7 female patients (46.7%). Level of operation was L3-4 (33.3%), L4-5 (33.3%) and L5-S1 (33.3%). Visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain and Oswestry Disabillity Index (ODI) for back pain, as well as the Medical Outcomes Study Questionnaire Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) for health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed right before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: VAS and ODI showed significant (p<0.005) reduction one year after TPED, with a percentage improvement of 83.9% and 79.4%, respectively. Similarly, all aspects of quality of life (SF-36) were significantly (p<0.005) improved 1 year after the procedure. Bodily pain and role physical demonstrated the highest increase followed by role emotional, physical function, social function, vitality, mental health, and general health. Beneficial impact of TPED on clinical outcome and HRQoL was independent of gender and operated level. CONCLUSION: TPED is effective in reducing lower limb symptoms and low back pain in patients with lumbar disc hernia, suffering from PD. Positive effect of endoscopy is, also, evident in HRQoL of those patients one year after the procedure.

Risk assessment instruments for screening bone mineral density in a Mediterranean population.

AIM: To evaluate the power of six osteoporosis-screening instruments in women in a Mediterranean country. METHODS: Data concerning several osteoporosis risk factors were prospectively collected from 1000 postmenopausal women aged 42-87 years who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) screening. Six osteoporosis risk factor screening tools were applied to this sample to evaluate their performance and choose the most appropriate tool for the study population. RESULTS: The most important screening tool for osteoporosis status was the Simple Calculated Osteoporosis Risk Estimation, which had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.678, a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 72%, with a cut-off point of 20.75. The most important screening tool for osteoporosis risk was the Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool, which had an AUC of 0.643, a sensitivity of 77%, and a specificity of 46%, with a cut-off point of -2.9. CONCLUSION: Some commonly used clinical risk instruments demonstrate high sensitivity for distinguishing individuals with DEXA-ascertained osteoporosis or reduced bone mineral density.

Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy for Lumbar Disc Herniation in Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of transforaminal percutaneous endoscopic discectomy (TPED) in Parkinson's disease (PD). OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Patients with PD frequently suffer from radiculopathy and low back pain. Additionally, they demonstrate higher complication rates after open spine surgery. However, the clinical outcome of minimally invasive techniques for lumbar discectomy, such as TPED, have not been established for this population. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with lumbar disc hernia were divided into Group A (11 patients diagnosed with PD), and Group B (10 patients as the control, non-PD group). All patients underwent TPED. Indexes of visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed right before surgery and at six weeks, three months, six months and one year post-surgery. RESULTS: At the baseline visit, groups did not differ significantly with age (p=0.724), gender (p=0.835), level of operation (p=0.407), ODI (p=0.497) and VAS (p=0.772). Parkinson's patients had higher scores in ODI at every visit, but the outcome was statistically significant only at 3 months (p=0.004) and one year (p=0.007). Similarly, VAS measurements were higher at each time point, with the difference being significant at 3 (p<0.001), 6 (0.021), and 12 (p<0.001) months after surgery. At the end of a year of follow up, ODI was reduced by 49.6% (±16.7) in Group A and 59.2% (±8.0) in Group B (p=0.111), translating to a 79.5% (±13.0) and 91.5% (±4.1) average improvement in daily functionality (p=0.024). VAS was reduced by 59.1 mm (±11.8) in Group A and 62.2 mm (±7.4) in Group B (p=0.485), leading to an 85.3 % (±4.0) and 91.9% (±2.6) general improvement in leg pain (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that TPED led to satisfactory improvement in leg pain and daily living in PD patients a year after surgery.

Intravenous vs Topical Tranexamic Acid in Total Knee Arthroplasty Without Tourniquet Application: A Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Use of tranexamic acid (TXA) is effective and safe in reducing the blood loss in total knee arthroplasty (TKR) performed using a tourniquet, but, data in TKR performed without tourniquet are limited, and there is no study comparing the topical (T) with intravenous (IV) TXA administration. Our aim was to compare the topical (T) with intravenous (IV) TXA administration in TKR performed without tourniquet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 120 patients undergoing unilateral TKR for knee osteoarthritis were included in a prospective randomized study. Operations were performed under spinal anesthesia, no tourniquet was used, and the postoperative regime was the same for all patients. Patients were divided into 3 groups; in group C (control), 40 patients received no TXA, in group IV, 40 patients received 1 g of TXA intravenously, and in group L, 1 g of TXA was applied locally to 40 patients. The primary outcome measures included the calculated blood loss, the transfusion rate, and quantity of allogeneic blood units, whereas secondary outcome measures were complications. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in patient's demographics and perioperative results. Calculated blood loss, allogeneic blood transfusion rate, and quantity in group C were significantly higher compared with those of TXA groups (P < .001). There was no significant difference in complications rate between the 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, IV or T administration of 1-g TXA significantly reduced the blood loss and the need for allogeneic blood transfusion in patients undergoing TKR without a tourniquet (with no significant difference between the 2 routes of administration).

A randomized comparative study of topical versus intravenous tranexamic acid administration in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the topical to IV tranexamic acid (TXA) administration of the same dose, given at the same time in patients who underwent TKR using an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) regime. METHODS: Ninety patients were randomized in control group, and IV and topical application groups received 1 g TXA. RESULTS: Blood loss and transfusion requirements in control group were statistically higher compared to both TXA groups (p < 0.05). Length of stay was the same in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: TXA reduced significantly the blood loss and the need for transfusion in ERAS primary unilateral TKR.

Temporal and Spatial Expression of TGF-b1 in the Early Phase of Patellar Tendon Healing after Application of Platelet Rich Plasma.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to find out the spatial and temporal expression of TGF-b1 during the tendon healing, after application of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). METHODS: A patellar tendon defect model in rabbits was used for this purpose. 48 skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits, weighing 3.5 kg, were used for this study. Equal numbers of animals from both groups were sacrificed at 4 different time points (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week). A full thickness patellar tendon substance in the right limb of each animal was excised from its central portion during the operation. PRP with a gel form was applied and filled the tendon defect in PRP group. No PRP was applied in the tendon defect of controls. Histological sections with hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemical sections with an anti-TGF-b1 primary antibody were made for the evaluation of the results. RESULTS: A differentiation of the healing process was observed in the PRP group in comparison with the control group. TGF-b1 expression was detected in various cell populations (inflammatory cells, endothelial cells, macrophages, and tenocytes). Both cytoplasmic and nuclear expressions were present. The larger amounts of immunoexpression were localized in epitenon and in the repair site. PRP group showed stronger and more extensive staining at 1st and 2nd week (P<0.0001), whereas control group showed more extensive staining at the 3(rd) and 4(th) week (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that locally application of PRP result in an alteration of TGF-b1 expression during the healing of a patellar tendon defect.

Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population.

AIMS: This review was designed in order to study the percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population. We present a comprehensive description of clinical, functional outcomes, complications, with emphasis on patients' level, and time of return to sports. METHODS: We proceeded to a systematic search of Medline (PubMED), Cochrane, and Scopus databases using keywords "Achilles Tendon", "Percutaneous Repair", "Percutaneous suturing", "Subcutaneous repair", "Subcutaneous suturing", "Athletes", and "Athletic" to identify articles or abstracts written in English. RESULTS: Thirteen studies, including 670 patients, could be identified. A variety of percutaneous repair techniques were performed. Re-rupture rate was very low. The most frequent complication was sural nerve damage. Average functional outcomes were satisfying. Up to 91.4% continued practicing sports after surgery. Furthermore, 78-84% returned to the same or higher sports level. Average time of return was 18 weeks in 9 studies. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture is an excellent perspective for athletic population. Low re-rupture rate and impressing level of return to sports allow athletes to continue their recreational activities or careers.

The Effect of the Silicone Ring Tourniquet and Standard Pneumatic Tourniquet on the Motor Nerve Conduction, Pain and Grip Strength in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The pneumatic tourniquet (PT) is routinely used in upper and lower limb operations by most orthopaedic surgeons. The silicone ring tourniquet (SRT) was introduced in clinical practice over the last decade. Clinical as well as comparative studies have been published in volunteers concerning its safety and efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the postoperative effect of the silicone ring tourniquet (SRT), primarily on the motor nerve conduction, and secondarily on the pain and grip strength, in comparison to the effect of the pneumatic tourniquet (PT) in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Both tourniquets were applied in the forearm of the dominant arm in 20 healthy volunteers and were kept on for 10 minutes. Pain was measured using the visual analogue scale and grip strength was measured with a hand dynamometer. We evaluated the following parameters of median nerve conduction: motor conduction velocity (MCV), latency (LAT) and amplitude (AMP). RESULTS: Pain score at the time of tourniquet application was higher in SRT group but the alteration in pain scores in PT group was higher, with statistical significance (P<0.05). The grip strength was reduced by the application of both tourniquets; however there was a significantly higher reduction in the SRT group (P<0.05). The conduction impairment of the median nerve was worse in the PT group than in the SRT one, according to the changes in MCV (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Median nerve conduction was affected more after PT application as compared to the SRT. Nevertheless, the reduction of grip strength was higher after the SRT application.

Persistent post-surgical pain and neuropathic pain after total knee replacement.

AIM: To study the prevalence of persistent post-surgical pain (PPSP) and neuropathic pain (NP) after total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for articles published until December 2014 in English language. Published articles were included if they referred to pain that lasts at least 3 mo after primary TKR for knee osteoarthritis, and measured pain with pain specific instruments. Studies that referred to pain caused by septic reasons and implant malalignment were excluded. Both prospective and retrospective studies were included and only 14 studies that match the inclusion criteria were selected for this review. RESULTS: The included studies were characterized by the heterogeneity on the scales used to measure pain and pre-operative factors related to PPSP and NP. The reported prevalence of PPSP and NP seems to be relatively high, but it varies among different studies. There is also evidence that the prevalence of post-surgical pain is related to the scale used for pain measurement. The prevalence of PPSP is ranging at 6 mo from 16% to 39% and at 12 mo from 13.1% to 23% and even 38% of the patients. The prevalence of NP at 6 mo post-operatively is ranging from 5.2% to 13%. Pre-operative factors related to the development of PPSP also differ, including emotional functioning, such as depression and pain catastrophizing, number of comorbidities, pain problems elsewhere and operations in knees with early grade of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: No firm conclusions can be reached regarding the prevalence of PPSP and NP and the related factors due to the heterogeneity of the studies.

Constrained Implants in Total Knee Replacement.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a successful procedure for pain relief and functional restoration in patients with advanced osteoarthritis. The number of TKRs is increasing, and this has led to an increase in revision surgeries. The key to long-term success in both primary and revision TKR is stability, as well as adequate and stable fixation between components and underlying bone. In the vast majority of primary TKRs and in some revision cases, a posterior cruciate retaining or a posterior cruciate substituting device can be used. In some primary cases with severe deformity or ligamentous instability and in most of the revision cases, a more constrained implant is required. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature concerning the use of condylar constrained knee (CCK) and rotating hinge (RH) implants in primary and revision cases focusing on the indications and results. According to this review, although excellent and very good results have been reported, there are limitations of the existing literature concerning the indications for the use of constrained implants, the absence of long-term results, and the limited comparative studies.

Small diameter acetabulum and femoral head in total hip arthroplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip, with no femoral osteotomy.

We present the results of 66 total hip arthroplasties in 62 patients of mean age 46 years (24-74 years), with developmental dysplasia of the hip. In all cases the centre of rotation of the new hip was positioned at the site of the true acetabulum. In all patients cementless press fit acetabular components of small diameter (42-44 mm) were used, articulating exclusively with a 22.25 mm modular metal femoral head, without the use of bone grafts or shortening osteotomies of the femur. Despite the use of small diameter femoral heads the rate of dislocation was 3%. After an average follow-up period of 9 years (4-18 years), no revisions were required for infection, loosening or wear or implant migration. Osteolytic lesions were seen in the periacetabular region in 3 patients who were symptom free. A total of 2 revisions were required for instability and 2 patients had the wires of their trochanteric osteotomy removed because of bursitis. Leg length inequality was improved in 55% of the patients and one postoperative transient sciatic nerve lesion settled within 4 months. We believe that in patients with painful dysplastic hips, the use of small diameter implants with the centre of rotation at the true acetabulum, can give very satisfactory results, without any supplementary procedures.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in the extremities.

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.