Melorheostosis: A Review of the Literature and a Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Melorheostosis, also referred to in the literature as Leri's disease, is an unusual mesenchymal dysplasia with the clinical appearance of benign sclerosing bone dysplasia; it frequently occurs in late adolescence. Any bone in the skeletal system can be affected by this disease, though the long bones of the lower extremities are the most common, at any age. Melorheostosis has a chronic evolution, and symptoms are usually absent in the early stages. The etiopathogenesis is still unknown, however, numerous theories have been proposed that could explain the appearance of this lesion formation. An association with other benign or malignant bone lesions is also possible, and associations with osteosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, or Buschke-Ollendorff syndrome have also been reported. There have also been reported cases of the malignant transformation of a pre-existing melorheostosis lesion into malignant fibrous histiocytoma or osteosarcoma. The diagnosis of melorheostosis can be made only based on radiological images, but, due to its polymorphism, additional imaging investigations are often necessary and sometimes only a biopsy can establish a definite diagnosis. Because there are currently no guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, due to the low number of cases diagnosed worldwide, our objective was to highlight the early recognition and specific surgical treatments for better prognosis and outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a review of the literature consisting of original papers, case reports, and case series and presented the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of melorheostosis. We aimed to synthesize the treatment methods available in the literature as well as determine possible future directions related to the treatment of melorheostosis. Furthermore, we presented the results of a case of femoral melorheostosis admitted to the orthopedics department of the University Emergency Hospital of Bucharest in a 46-year-old female patient with severe pain in the left thigh and limitation of joint mobility. Following the clinical examination, the patient complained of pain in the middle third of the left thigh in the antero-medial compartment; the pain appeared spontaneously and was aggravated during physical activity. The pain started about two years prior, but the patient experienced complete pain relief after the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In the last six months, the patient presented an increase in pain intensity without significant improvement following the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient's symptoms were mainly determined by the increase in the volume of the tumor and the mass effect on the adjacent tissues, especially on the vessels and the femoral nerve. The CT examination and bone scintigraphy showed a unique lesion in the middle third of the left femur and no oncological changes in the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions; however, at the level of the femoral shaft, there was a localized cortical and pericortical bone lesion formation that surrounded approximately 180 degrees of the femoral shaft (anterior, medial, and lateral). It had a predominantly sclerotic structure but was associated with lytic areas with thickening of the bone cortex and areas of periosteal reaction. The next therapeutic gesture was to perform an incisional biopsy using a lateral approach at the level of the thigh. The histopathological result supported the diagnosis of melorheostosis. Additionally, immunohistochemical tests completed the data obtained after the microscopic examination through the classic histopathological technique The patient was discharged and included in a full medical recovery program for eight weeks in a specialized medical center, during which she also received analgesic treatment in maximum doses, but without improvement regarding her symptoms. Taking into account the chronic evolution of the pain, the complete lack of response to conservative treatment after eight weeks, and the lack of treatment guidelines in the case of melorheostosis, a surgical approach needed to be considered. The surgical option in this case, considering the circumferential location of the lesion at the level of the femoral diaphysis, was a radical resection. The surgical approach consisted of segmental resection to healthy bone tissue and reconstruction of the remaining defect with a modular tumoral prosthesis. At the 45-day postoperative control, the patient no longer complained of pain in the operated-on limb and was mobile with full support without gait difficulties. The follow-up period was one year, and the patient presented complete pain relief and a very good functional outcome. Results: In the case of asymptomatic patients, conservative treatment seems to be a good option with optimal results. However, for benign tumors, it remains unclear whether radical surgery is a viable option. Conclusions: Melorheostosis remains an incompletely understood disease, given the limited number of cases worldwide, and thus, there is a lack of clinical guidelines regarding specialized treatment.

Enhancing Osteoporosis Management: A Thorough Examination of Surgical Techniques and Their Effects on Patient Outcomes.

Managing osteoporotic fractures in older individuals is a difficult task in orthopedic surgery. It requires a careful approach that combines advanced diagnostic methods, customized surgical treatments, and comprehensive rehabilitation strategies. This article presents the results of an analysis carried out at the University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest. The analysis specifically examines the treatment of osteoporotic fractures using different osteosynthesis techniques. Although diagnostic tools like dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) have improved, a considerable number of fractures still happen in people who do not have obvious osteoporosis. This emphasizes the importance of using additional diagnostic measures such as high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) to improve the accuracy of predictions. The study demonstrates the intricate nature of surgical decision-making and the significance of adjusting techniques to meet the specific needs of each patient. An instance of osteosynthesis failure resulting from the inappropriate choice of method highlighted the crucial significance of a thorough preoperative assessment. The discussion highlights the importance of early mobilization and rehabilitation in reducing the risks associated with prolonged immobilization and improving patient recovery. This paper strongly supports the use of evidence-based and patient-centered methods in the management of osteoporotic fractures. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing the most recent advancements in diagnostic and surgical technologies. Promising advancements in orthopedic medicine lie in the future, particularly in the integration of interdisciplinary research and personalized medicine. These advancements have the potential to enhance patient outcomes in this population that is at high risk.

Exploring Individualized Approaches to Managing Vancouver B Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures: Insights from a Comprehensive Case Series Analysis.

The increasing prevalence of periprosthetic femoral fractures, specifically in the vicinity of the hip, has emerged as a significant issue in recent times. Consequently, there is a need for a thorough examination to enhance the effectiveness of management and treatment approaches. The findings of this study emphasize a significant disparity in the occurrence and characteristics of these fractures, and the multiple cases have highlighted the efficacy of various treatment strategies, such as open reduction and internal fixation, as well as the utilization of cortical strut allografts. Furthermore, the study has identified potential risk factors that have an impact on the characteristics of fractures, providing valuable insights that could be crucial in the development of preventive strategies. This study provides a thorough examination of periprosthetic femoral fractures, highlighting the importance of a cohesive treatment algorithm to improve the handling of such fractures. Moreover, it promotes the need for a collaborative endeavor in conducting research in this field, cultivating a more profound comprehension that has the potential to drive progress in therapeutic approaches, ultimately enhancing patient results over an extended period of time. It is crucial that forthcoming research endeavors persist in expanding upon these discoveries, striving towards a unified methodology in tackling this substantial clinical obstacle.

A Narrative Review of Patellar Resurfacing Versus Non-resurfacing in Total Knee Arthroplasty.

The number of individuals who experience the symptoms of gonarthrosis rises proportionally as life expectancy rises and the population becomes more active. The purpose of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to lessen pain and restore knee function, and it has a high success rate. The restoration of patellar tracking in addition to the proper alignment of the femoral and tibial components contributes to the success of the arthroplasty and the patient's happiness. Replacement of the knee is not an easy process. One of the major objectives of total knee replacement is to achieve the proper rotation of the femoral components. A critical step that affects postoperative outcomes in total knee arthroplasty is the correct alignment of the femoral component. The axial plane of the femoral component is to blame for flexion stability, knee joint kinematics, flexion alignment, and patellar tracking. The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, and its major role is to enhance the quadriceps' moment arm, which allows the knee to expand. The distribution of patellofemoral compressive pressures during knee flexion and the centralization of the quadriceps muscles' multidirectional pull during extension are both critical functions of the patella. After primary knee arthroplasty, there are 8% more cases of anterior knee discomfort than there were before. Whether or not the patella was resurfaced, patients with primary TKA experience anterior knee discomfort. Patella baja is caused by excessive joint line elevation, which causes persistent overload and discomfort. The design of the TKR might have an impact on postoperative patellofemoral problems. After TKR, patellofemoral maltracking and patellar dislocation are often caused by surgical mistakes.

Restoring Anatomical Features in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Today, the number of people affected by gonarthrosis symptoms is increasing proportionally. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful intervention that aims to reduce pain and restore knee function. However, studies have shown that active young patients still have limitations in performing activities such as skiing, golfing, surfing, and dancing. Over the last few years, total knee arthroplasty has undergone significant changes. Most of the modern TKA implants are designed to reproduce the normal biomechanics of the knee joint, mimicking the physiological pattern with greater compliance in the medial compartment between the tibial insert and femoral condyle and less congruence on the lateral side. Unfortunately, functional outcomes are compromised in approximately half of TKA patients. This loss may be caused by the abnormal kinematics and inherent instability of many contemporary implants. The proper alignment of the femoral component during TKA is a crucial step that influences postoperative results. The position of the femoral component in the axial plane is responsible for flexion stability, knee joint kinematics, flexion alignment, and patellar tracking. The main goal when choosing a type of prosthesis is to achieve an adequate recovery that leads to an improvement in mobility and an increase in the efficiency of the quadriceps.

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after arthroplasty is a major complication, which requires significant resources, resulting in high costs for the medical system. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic infections, the identification of the pathogen being the central element in the establishment of targeted antibiotic therapy. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) or metagenomic NGS (mNGS) represents a promising, fast alternative, with increased specificity and sensitivity compared to identification methods using conventional culture media, thus enabling an increased rate of identification of pathogenic microorganisms and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG). The purpose of this article was to highlight new molecular diagnostic methods for periprosthetic joint infections and their involvement in treatment efficiency. NGS technologies are cutting-edge techniques that may challenge the PJI diagnostic model.

An Examination of Personalized Approaches in the Management of Ankle Fractures: A Thorough Evaluation of Soft Tissue Factors, Treatment Methods, and Patient Adherence.

This study offers a thorough analysis of tibial pilon fractures, accounting for patient compliance, diverse treatment options, and soft tissue implications. The article discusses varied treatment pathways, ranging from single-stage interventions to two-stage methods for open fractures by presenting seven clinical cases. The emphasis is on the intricate interplay of trauma intensity, bone damage, and adjacent soft tissue in dictating treatment plans and patient outcomes. The challenges posed by non-compliant patients rejecting advised treatments are underscored, illuminating the inherent risks. Drawing from varied patient demographics, comorbidities, and fracture types, a comprehensive guide for clinicians emerges. The findings underscore the importance of a tailored, patient-centric approach, considering the multifaceted nature of ankle fractures, local soft tissue health, patient's overall well-being, and their adherence to the proposed treatment regimen.

Management of Acetabular Bone Loss in Hip Revision Arthroplasty: Case Series Presentation.

Considering the increase in life expectancy in the general population and the need for a more active lifestyle, total hip arthroplasty has become an absolutely necessary surgical intervention to maintain these desired results. Along with the evolution of medicine and the increase in the quality and performance of the materials used to make prostheses, the number of patients who benefit from total hip replacement is constantly increasing, and proportionally, the number of patients who will require revision arthroplasty is increasing. Before discussing the need for hip arthroplasty revision, it is necessary to carry out a rigorous clinical and imaging examination for differential diagnosis with other pathologies such as low back pain, the presence of bone or soft tissue tumors, arterial occlusions and claudication, or other systemic diseases. One of the biggest challenges for the orthopedic surgeon in planning a hip revision is the compensation of the remaining acetabular bone defect, either as a result of the osteolysis process or following the process of removing the acetabular component, which in some cases can lead to severe bone loss that is difficult to anticipate in the preoperative planning. In this paper, we will present the short-term results of the use of reinforcement cages fixed with screws and cemented retentive acetabular cups in the case of hip revisions with extensive bone loss. The discussions that derive from the presented series of cases are related to the use of reinforcement cages, which are based on the principle of primary stability obtained with the help of screw fixation but whose risk of osteolysis and implant fixation damage is greater than in the case of implants that also associate biological integration at bone level. The use of reinforcement cages together with the retentive acetabular cup in the case of elderly patients with associated comorbidities, a moderate level of physical activity, and severe muscle insufficiency at the hip level as a result of not using the affected pelvic limb is still a viable solution that allows the patient to walk immediately after the surgery, avoiding the risk of dislocation (especially in patients who use the posterolateral approach) and avoiding morbidity induced by prolonged bed rest.

Surgical management options for long-bone metastasis.

Bone metastases are difficult to treat surgically, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach that must be applied to each patient depending on the specifics of their case. The main indications for surgical treatment are a lack of response to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and bisphosphonates which is defined by persistent pain or tumor progression; the risk of imminent pathological bone fracture; and surgical treatment for single bone metastases. An important aspect of choosing the right treatment for these patients is accurately estimating life expectancy. Improved chemotherapy, postoperative radiation therapy, and sustainable reconstructive modalities will increase the patient's life expectancy. The surgeon should select the best surgical strategy based on the primary tumor and its characteristics, the presence of single or multiple metastases, age, anatomical location, and the functional resources of the patient. Preventive osteosynthesis, osteosynthesis to stabilize a fracture, resections, and reconstructions are the main surgical options for bone metastases. Resection and reconstruction with a modular prosthesis remain the generally approved surgical option to restore functionality, increase the quality of life, and increase life expectancy. Preoperative embolization is necessary, especially in the case of metastases of renal or thyroid origin. This procedure is extremely important to avoid complications, with a major impact on survival rates.

Minimally invasive treatment and internal fixation vs. extended lateral approach in calcaneus fractures of thalamic interest.

The extended lateral side approach is a common technique in the surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures, with thalamic collapse offering a good exposure of the fractured site; however, it can be burdened with complications due to soft tissue trauma. The present study aimed to compare patients treated with minimally invasive osteosynthesis through a minimum lateral approach and internal fixation with patients that were treated using internal fixation with an extended lateral side approach in cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures with thalamic fracture. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively by performing clinical and imagistic examinations, with radiography scans of the anterior-posterior calcaneal profile and computer tomography. Furthermore, preoperative and postoperative analyses of the Böhler angle on the radiological profile, complications and duration of the hospital admission for both groups were performed. There were 36 patients (39 calcaneal fractures) in group 1 and 24 patients (29 calcaneal fractures) in group 2. The results demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the preoperative (P=0.72) and postoperative (P=0.20) Böhler angle values. The postoperative Böhler angle average values were 26.9 in group 1 and 29.3 in group 2. A total of 11 patients were treated with Kirschner wires inserted in the calcaneus, and in 2/ll cases, one of the brooches registered a migration movement. There were no cases of material migration in the fractures that were stabilized by inserting Kirschner brooches up to the astragalus and cuboid bones. Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated no significant differences in the Böhler angle values between the minimally invasive and open reduction techniques. However, the antibiotic therapy period, as well as the infection rate were lower in patients that were treated using the minimally invasive technique, suggesting that this technique was superior with respect to lower complication rates and improved functional results.

Understanding orthopedic infections through a different perspective: Microcalorimetry growth curves.

Infectious disease is a serious healthcare problem in orthopedics, as well as other surgical specialties. Accurate and prompt diagnosis, as well as proper care, is critical, as infection of a surgical wound, particularly in the case of arthroplasties or the use of orthopedic implants, can have a catastrophic effect in most cases, necessitating the removal of foreign material. Lyophilized bacteria samples were obtained from Cantacuzino National Institute of Research and Development for Microbiology and Immunology and investigated microcalorimetrically. Isothermal microcalorimetry measures the temperature generated by the multiplication of microorganisms; using an adapted program, it describes the growth curve in real-time according to the received electrical signal. The thermograms of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonie were analyzed, and similarities were observed for both the time required for the bacteria to grow and the heat flow generated by their growth. Bacterial microcalorimetry has a variety of benefits, and should be regarded as a means of rapid and accurate diagnosis. Sensitivity is a valuable attribute for a diagnostic technique; when only a few microorganisms are present, microcalorimetric signs of bacterial multiplication can be observed. Microcalorimetry has potential as a simple diagnostic tool in a variety of infections, but further research is needed to ensure that it is used correctly. A thorough investigation (including kinetic analysis) of a reproducible thermal signal of bacterial growth could lead to the creation of new methods for quickly identifying bacteria.

Musculoskeletal adverse reactions after immunotherapy for cancer: A case series.

Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) including antibodies targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 and programmed cell death 1 have been shown to be effective in the treatment of certain types of cancer. The benefit of these therapies is to prolong life expectancy in the case of metastatic malignancies. Rheumatic adverse events are not very common. In the present study, 9 patients were monitored between November 2018 and January 2020. The oncologist, who identified the occurrence of rheumatic toxicities after the treatment with ICIs, evaluated the patients. Only oncological patients with rheumatic manifestations after the start of immunotherapy were included. Toxicity grading was performed by both the oncologist and the rheumatologist, on a scale from 1 to 5 (1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe; 4, life-threatening; 5, death related to toxicity). The results showed that rheumatoid factor, which was sampled in each patient, was negative in all cases. Patients were treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prednisone depending on the severity of the adverse events. The results varied with the severity of the adverse events. In conclusion, as the number of patients treated with ICIs increases, so will the number of patients presenting with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The collaboration between oncologists and rheumatologists should be intimate to provide optimal treatment to patients. Musculoskeletal manifestations secondary to ICIs are slightly different from other rheumatologically conditions making diagnosis, treatment and monitoring difficult. Thus, irAEs are new and challenging for oncologists, thus understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical characteristics must be improved for better treatment guidelines.