Functionalized orthopaedic implant as pH electrochemical sensing tool for smart diagnosis of hardware infection.

In the orthopaedic surgery field, the use of medical implants to treat a patient's bone fracture is nowadays a common practice, nevertheless, it is associated with possible cases of infection. The consequent hardware infection can lead to implant failure and systemic infections, with prolonged hospitalization, time-consuming rehabilitation treatments, and extended antibiotic therapy. Hardware infections are strictly related to bacterial adhesion to the implant, leading to infection occurrence and consequent pH decreasing from physiological level to acid pH. Here, we demonstrate the new strategy to use an orthopaedic implant functionalized with iridium oxide film as the working electrode for the potentiometric monitoring of pH in hardware infection diagnosis. A functional investigation was focused on selecting the implant material, namely titanium, titanium alloy, and stainless steel, and the component, namely screws and implants. After selecting the titanium-based implant as the working electrode and a silver wire as the reference electrode in the final configuration of the smart sensing orthopaedic implant, a calibration curve was performed in standard solutions. An equation equal to y = (0.76 ± 0.02) - (0.068 ± 0.002) x, R2 = 0.996, was obtained in the pH range of 4-8. Subsequently, hysteresis, interference, matrix effect, recovery study, and storage stability were investigated to test the overall performance of the sensing device, demonstrating the tremendous potential of electrochemical sensors to deliver the next generation of smart orthopaedic implants.

Ultrasound-guided-electromyography in plegic muscle: Usefulness of nerve stimulation.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In traumatic nerve lesions (TNLs), motor unit potentials (MUPs) may be difficult to detect in early injury. Ultrasound-guided electromyography (US-EMG) can aid in identifying areas of muscle activation, but its sensitivity can be improved. In this study we compare the sensitivity of US-EMG alone with US-EMG after peripheral nerve stimulation (NC-US-EMG) to better identify active muscle regions. METHODS: In this prospective study, 32 patients with severe TNLs were evaluated with standard EMG (ST-EMG), US-EMG, and NC-US-EMG at baseline (T0), after 2 to 3 months (T1), and after 5 to 6 months (T2). RESULTS: NC-US-EMG was more sensitive in detecting MUPs compared with US-EMG and ST-EMG at T0 (19 patients vs 14 and 5 patients, respectively). In addition, both US-guided techniques were more sensitive than ST-EMG in detecting MUPs (ST-EMG vs US-EMG: P = .014; ST-EMG vs NC-US-EMG: P = .003). At T1, ST-EMG remained less sensitive NC-US-EMG (P = .019). No significant differences were observed among the three techniques at T2. DISCUSSION: In the evaluation of severe TNLs, the combination of peripheral nerve stimulation and US increases the sensitivity of EMG for MUP detection at baseline and 2 to 3 months postinjury.

Tantalum Cones for Severe Bone Defects in Revision Knee Arthroplasty: A Minimum 10-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: Two-to 6-year results of reconstruction of severe bone defects in revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with highly porous tantalum cones have been encouraging, but 10-year follow-up is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum 10-year results of tantalum cones in revision TKA. METHODS: From 2005 to 2010, 30 consecutive patients (30 knees) underwent revision TKA with the use of cones. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 10 years. A total of 42 cones (25 tibial and 17 femoral) were used to reconstruct massive bone defects classified as Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute Types 2A (10), 2B (12), and 3 (19). The mean age of the patients was 73 years (range, 55 to 84) at the time of revision. The indication for the revision included aseptic loosening (15 patients) and second-stage reimplantation for deep infection (15 patients). Six patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 6 cones had to be revised. Minimum 10-year cone survivorship for any reason was 81% (25 of 31 cones). With cone revision for aseptic loosening as the end point, survivorship was 96% (30 of 31). No evidence of loosening or migration of any implant was noted on the most recent radiographs. CONCLUSION: Metaphyseal fixation with tantalum cones in revision TKA demonstrated excellent survivorship and fixation at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. This type of metaphyseal reconstruction can be a durable option for revision TKA in patients who have massive bone defects.

Correlation between traumatic pelvic ring injuries and sexual dysfunctions: a multicentric retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Among the functional impairments associated with pelvic ring injuries (PRI), sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common clinical issue. The aim of this study is to investigate correlations between traumatic PRI, genitourinary, and sexual dysfunctions, for a proper multidisciplinary treatment. METHODS: We performed an observational, multicentric study, from January 2020 to 2022. We conducted a follow-up after surgery at three, six, 12, and 24 months by measuring the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Majeed Score, and the SF-12. Descriptive statistics was conducted on T-test, Whelc's test, and one-way ANOVA which were performed when appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (mean age 42.17 ± 15 years) were included in the study and allocated into three groups (A, B, and C). Tile A group revealed good sexual outcomes, similar to that of healthy patients. Tile B group demonstrated worsen SD than the previous group. In Tile C group, there was a longer average duration of the orthopaedic surgery when compared to group B. However, in terms of SDs, statistical significance could not be demonstrated between groups C and B. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a progressive spontaneous recovery of sexual function, corresponding to each PRI group. Moreover, men classified as B2 had milder SDs than B1 male patients.

RANKL-RANK-OPG Pathway in Charcot Diabetic Foot: Pathophysiology and Clinical-Therapeutic Implications.

Charcot Foot (CF), part of a broader condition known as Charcot Neuro-Osteoarthropathy (CNO), is characterized by neuropathic arthropathy with a progressive alteration of the foot. CNO is one of the most devastating complications in patients with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy but can also be caused by neurological or infectious diseases. The pathogenesis is multifactorial; many studies have demonstrated the central role of inflammation and the Receptor Activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK)-Osteoprotegerin (OPG) pathway in the acute phase of the disease, resulting in the serum overexpression of RANKL. This overexpression and activation of this signal lead to increased osteoclast activity and osteolysis, which is a prelude to bone destruction. The aim of this narrative review is to analyze this signaling pathway in bone remodeling, and in CF in particular, to highlight its clinical aspects and possible therapeutic implications of targeting drugs at different levels of the pathway. Drugs that act at different levels in this pathway are anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies (Denosumab), bisphosphonates (BP), and calcitonin. The literature review showed encouraging data on treatment with Denosumab, although in a few studies and in small sample sizes. In contrast, BPs have been re-evaluated in recent years in relation to the high possibility of side effects, while calcitonin has shown little efficacy on CNO.

Tibiotalar and Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with Paragon28 SilverbackTM Plating System in Patients with Severe Ankle and Hindfoot Deformity.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The treatment of end-stage ankle osteoarthritis (OA) and associated hindfoot deformities remains a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Numerous techniques and surgical approaches have been proposed for tibiotalar (TT) and tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis, from arthroscopic to open, as well as numerous devices proposed for internal fixation (retrograde intramedullary nails, cannulated screws, and plating systems). The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the results, with at least 18 months of follow-up, with SilverbackTM TT/TTC Plating System Paragon28 in a group of 20 patients with severe OA and hindfoot deformities (mainly secondary post-traumatic OA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The demographic characteristics and past medical history of the patients were collected and analyzed to identify the cause of the pathology. The degree of OA and deformity were quantified based on foot and ankle weight-bearing radiography and CT examination. Pre- and post-operative clinical and functional scores (ROM, VAS, AOFAS, FFI, and SF-36) and radiographic parameters (anterior distal tibial angle, tibiotalar angle, coronal tibiotalar angle, and hindfoot alignment angle) were evaluated. RESULTS: All of the patients showed clinical and radiographic fusion at an average of 14 weeks (range 12-48), with improvement in pain and functional scores, without major surgical complications and/or infections. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of our study, the results with this new plating system showed good results in terms of bone consolidation, post-operative complications, and improvement of pain and quality of life in patients with severe OA and deformities of the ankle and hindfoot.

Ceramic-on-metal coupling in THA: long term clinical and radiographic outcomes using two different short stems.

BACKGROUND: Hip prosthetic replacement surgery is the gold standard for patients affected by symptomatic osteoarthritis. The ceramic-on-metal hybrid hard-on-hard bearing was initially launched on the market with the purpose of reducing adhesive and corrosion wear, loss of metal debris and ions and risk of fracture and squeaking. However, this bearing was withdrawn from the market, in the apprehension of local and systemic toxicity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and safety of ceramic-on-metal bearing at long term follow-up. METHODS: From 2 cohorts of patients suffering of hip osteoarthritis who underwent total hip arthroplasty using ceramic-on-metal bearing with two different short stems, 19 of the GROUP A and 25 of the GROUP B were suitable for this study. All patients were compared clinically using the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS), 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF12P/M), and radiographically. Blood samples were collected in order to evaluate chromium and cobalt ions level. The two groups were compared in terms of metal ions blood levels, and finally all the implanted prostheses were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: All the implanted stems were well-positioned and osseointegrated at a mean follow-up of 114 months. Improvements were observed for all clinical scores comparing preoperative and postoperative values in both groups. Radiographic evaluation showed a good ability to restore proper articular geometry. Chromium and cobalt ion analysis revealed values below the safety threshold except for 1 case in GROUP A (cup malposition) and 2 cases in GROUP B (6.1%). No revision occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Ceramic-on-metal bearing is safe and reliable at long term follow-up in association to short stems arthroplasty, if the implant is correctly positioned. Chromium and cobalt metal ions blood levels evaluation should be performed annually.

Intramedullary nailing vs modular megaprosthesis in extracapsular metastases of proximal femur: clinical outcomes and complication in a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Extracapsular proximal femur metastasis could be treated by synthesis or resection and megaprosthesis. No universal accepted guidelines are present in the literature. The aim of our study is to analyze of patients with metastases in the trochanteric region of the femur treated by a single type of intramedullary nailing or hip megaprosthesis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients affected by extracapsular metastases of proximal femur. Anthropometric and anamnestic data, routine blood exams and complications were collected. VAS score and MSTS score was administered before the surgery, ad 1-6-12 months after surgery. An un-paired T test and Chi-square were used. Multiple linear regression and logistic regression was performed. Significance was set for p < 0.05. RESULT: Twenty patients were assigned in intramedullary Group, twenty-five in megaprostheses Group. The mean operative time is shorter in intramedullary group. Differential shows a higher anemization in megaprostheses group (2 ± 2 vs 3.6 ± 1.3; p = 0.02). The patients of intramedullary group showed malnutrition (Albumin: 30.5 ± 6.5 vs 37.6 ± 6 g/L; p = 0.03) and pro-inflammatory state (NLR: 7.1 ± 6.7 vs 3.8 ± 2.4; p = 0.05) (PLR: 312 ± 203 vs 194 ± 99; p = 0.04) greater than megaprostheses group. The patients in intramedullary groups shows a higher functional performance score than megaprostheses group at 1 month follow-up (MSTS: 16.4 ± 6.3 vs 12.2 ± 3.7; p = 0.004). A multivariate analysis confirms the role of type of surgery (p = 0.001), surgery duration (p = 0.005) and NLR (p = 0.02) in affecting the MSTS. Globally eight complications were recorded, no statistical difference was noticed between the two groups (p = 0.7), no predictor was found at logistic analysis. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing guarantees a rapid functional recovery, compared to patients undergoing hip megaprosthesis who instead improve gradually over time. The selection of patients with poor prognosis allows the correct surgical indication of nailing, while in the case of a more favorable prognosis, the intervention of hip megaprosthesis is to be preferred.

Cemented vs uncemented megaprostheses in proximal femur metastases: a multicentric comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Hip megaprostheses are a long known reconstructive method in the treatment of proximal femur metastases. The use of cemented or uncemented stems is still matter of debate. The aim of this study to compare cemented and uncemented megaprostheses on functional outcomes and complications, in order to establish the role of cementation. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 51 metastatic patients with proximal femur metastases treated with endoprosthetic reconstruction by megaprostheses, 25 with cementless stems and 26 with cemented ones with different megaprosthetic implants. The primary endpoint was MSTS score, and the secondary endpoint was to state the incidence of surgical and clinical complications in the two groups. An un-paired T test was used to compare anthropometric, anamnestic data, and MSTS. Chi-square test was performed for evaluation of complication in the two group. Multiple linear regression was used to match the functional outcomes and complications' incidence in the population study. Logistic regression was performed to analyse the odds ratio of different parameters and their role in the incidence of complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 50.1 months (+ 12.5). In thirty case right side was involved. No statistical differences were noticed between Group A and B regard the age, gender, active fracture/impending fracture. Comparing the MSTS results within the two groups at last follow-up, the score cemented group was higher than cementless one (17.9 + 7.8 vs 24.2 + 5.3; statistical significance p = 0.001). Regarding surgical complications a logistic regression was performed to analyse the odds ratio of age, cementation and length of resection; cementation confirm and odds ratio of 11 times in the incidence of surgical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Cementation seems to be more liable to complications onset, while improves functional score in metastatic patients compared to uncemented megaprostheses. More studies have to be conducted in order to create a protocol and establish criteria to use cemented or uncemented stems in a frail population like metastatic patients.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes after total hip arthroplasty with the NANOS neck preserving hip stem: a 10 to 16-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Short-stem Hip Arthroplasty (SHA) are increasingly implanted in recent years thanks to their potential advantage in preserving metaphyseal bone-stock. Among them, the NANOS® short-stem implant demonstrated satisfactory results to short and mid-term. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of the Nanos® short stem at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients aged 53 ± 20 years were enlisted in the study, for a total of 72 hips. Primary outcomes were survivorship of the implant and clinical outcome measured using the Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome scores (HOOS) and the Short Form Survey (SF12) questionnaire. The secondary outcome was a radiological evaluation calculating the inclination and the anteversion angle of the acetabular cup for each implant and investigating osteolysis, heterotopic ossifications and stem position. RESULTS: We observed a 95.5% stem survivorship. The complication rate was 7.6% and three implants underwent revision because of an aseptic loosening, an infection and a periprosthetic fracture due to trauma. Among 58 patients (63 hips) evaluated in an outpatient visit 10-16 years after surgery, improvement in clinically relevant scores comparing with baseline was observed: HOOS score increased after surgery in all its subcategories (from 32.25 ± 14.07% up to 91.91 ± 9.13%) as well as SF12 which increased by more than 18 percentage points. On clinical assessment, the range of motion (ROM) was restored at follow-up, 1 patient (1.7%) showed a squeaking hip and 2 (3.4%) reported leg-length discrepancy. Neutral stem positioning was achieved in 58 hips and heterotopic ossifications occurred in 10 hips (16%). CONCLUSIONS: The current study reports good clinical and radiological outcomes following NANOS® short-stem hip implant at minimum 10 years-follow-up. Since the high rate of stem survivorship, the low complication rate demonstrated and the overall patient satisfaction, our results suggest NANOS® neck-preserving prostheses should be considered as a valid alternative to standard implants.

Outcomes of acetabular fractures treated with acute fix and replace versus open reduction and internal fixation in elderly population: a multicentric retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The optimal operative treatment for displaced acetabular fractures in elderly population is still object of debate. Acute fix and replace procedure, the so called "combined hip procedure" (CHP), was introduced because of the poor results of the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) alone. The aim of the study is to compare clinical outcomes of CHP and ORIF alone for the treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: This is the largest multicentric retrospective analytical study, with a case-control design on the issue. Hospital records and clinical notes were reviewed to collect demographic, peri-operative, and clinical data. RESULTS: A total of 45 patients met the inclusion criteria: 24 patients entered the CHP group whereas 21 entered the ORIF control group. The mean age was 69.5 + - 1.12 years in the ORIF group and 73.4 + - 1.84 in the control group. The most frequent traumatic mechanism was the fall from same level in both groups (37.5% CHP; 42.9% ORIF). Operating time was significantly lower in the CHP group compared to the ORIF group (207 + - 11.0 ORIF; 175 + - 9.16 CHP; p < 0.05). Moreover, full weight-bearing was allowed significantly earlier in the CHP group compared to ORIF alone (37.3 + - 1.59 ORIF; 32.5 + - 1.69 CHP; p < 0.05). Among the clinician-completed scores, the HHS at three months was higher in the CHP group (66.3 + - 1.83 ORIF;73.6 + - 2.09 CHP; p < 0.05). All the other clinical outcomes were similar in both study groups. CONCLUSION: CHP is desirable treatment option in elderly patients with acetabular fracture when there are poor expected outcomes in terms of joint survival with ORIF alone.

Clinical Application of Adipose Derived Stem Cells for the Treatment of Aseptic Non-Unions: Current Stage and Future Perspectives-Systematic Review.

Fracture non-union is a challenging orthopaedic issue and a socio-economic global burden. Several biological therapies have been introduced to improve traditional surgical approaches. Among these, the latest research has been focusing on adipose tissue as a powerful source of mesenchymal stromal cells, namely, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). ADSC are commonly isolated from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of liposuctioned hypodermal adipose tissue, and their applications have been widely investigated in many fields, including non-union fractures among musculoskeletal disorders. This review aims at providing a comprehensive update of the literature on clinical application of ADSCs for the treatment of non-unions in humans. The study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Only three articles met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 12 cases analyzed for demographics and harvesting, potential manufacturing and implantation of ADSCs. The review of the literature suggests that adipose derived cell therapy can represent a promising alternative in bone regenerative medicine for the enhancement of non-unions and bone defects. The low number of manuscripts reporting ADSC-based therapies for long bone fracture healing suggests some critical issues that are discussed in this review. Nevertheless, further investigations on human ADSC therapies are needed to improve the knowledge on their translational potential and to possibly achieve a consensus on their use for such applications.

Retro-Malleolar Z-Plasty of Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendon in Post-Traumatic Checkrein Deformity: A Case Series and Literature Review.

Checkrein deformity (CD) is a dynamic deformity of the hallux characterized by flexion contracture of the interphalangeal (IF) joint and extension contracture of the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, worsened by ankle dorsiflexion. It is due to post-traumatic or ischemic retraction of the long hallux flexor tendon (FHL) following soft tissue trauma, leg fractures, ankle fractures and, more rarely, calcaneal or talar fractures. Diagnosis is essentially clinical, associated with imaging, to rule out unrecognized causes and evaluate fracture healing process. Few cases are reported in literature without univocal treatment. Background and Objectives: To analyze clinical and functional outcomes in patients with CD treated with release and retro-malleolar Z-plasty lengthening of FHL tendon. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with CD treated with retro-malleolar (at tarsal tunnel) Z-plasty lengthening of the FHL tendon between January 2016 and August 2020 were included. Clinical and functional outcomes were collected on admission and post-surgery and analysed retrospectively. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 18 months were included. Results: A total of 14 patients, with mean age of 37.4 years old, with CD diagnosis were included in the study. All patients were suffering from post-traumatic CD and the mean time from trauma to onset of deformity was of 7 months (range 1−12). At a mean follow-up of 31.8 months (range 18−48) we found a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in terms of pain relief (VAS), function (AOFAS score) and ROM of the IP and MTP hallux joints. No recurrence, loss of strength, nerve injury or tarsal tunnel syndrome were observed. No patient required revision surgery. Conclusions: In this case series the retro-malleolar FHL tendon Z-plasty proved to be a suitable option for CD correction, allowing a good clinical and functional recovery.

Survivorship and Clinical Outcomes of Constrained Acetabular Liners in Primary and Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have evaluated the survivorship and clinical outcomes of constrained acetabular liners (CALs) in complex primary and revision total hip arthroplasty with hip instability; however, there remains no consensus on the overall performance of this constrained implant. We therefore performed a systematic review of the literature to examine survivorship and complication rate of CAL usage. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was performed. A comprehensive search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted for English articles using various combinations of keywords. RESULTS: In all, 37 articles met the inclusion criteria. A total of 4152 CALs were implanted. The all-cause reoperation-free survivorship was 79.9%. The overall complication rate was 22.2%. Dislocation was the most common complications observed and the most frequent reason for reoperation with an incidence of 9.4% and 9.2%, respectively. Infection after CAL placement had an incidence of 4.6%. The reoperation rate for aseptic acetabular component loosening was 2.9%. Overall, patients had improved outcomes as documented by postoperative hip scores. CONCLUSION: CALs usage have a relatively high complication rate, particularly when compared with current bearing alternatives (dual mobility cups and large diameter femoral heads), however, it remains a valuable salvage procedure in complex patients affected by recurrent dislocation and implant instability. Newer designs have shown reduced impingement and higher survivorship free from dislocation. However, CALs should only be used when the reasons of instability have been correctly recognized and optimized.

Actigraphic Measurement of the Upper Limbs for the Prediction of Ischemic Stroke Prognosis: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: It is often challenging to formulate a reliable prognosis for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The most accepted prognostic factors may not be sufficient to predict the recovery process. In this view, describing the evolution of motor deficits over time via sensors might be useful for strengthening the prognostic model. Our aim was to assess whether an actigraphic-based parameter (Asymmetry Rate Index for the 24 h period (AR2_24 h)) obtained in the acute stroke phase could be a predictor of a 90 d prognosis. METHODS: In this observational study, we recorded and analyzed the 24 h upper limb movement asymmetry of 20 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke during their stay in a stroke unit. We recorded the motor activity of both arms using two programmable actigraphic systems positioned on patients' wrists. We clinically evaluated the stroke patients by NIHSS in the acute phase and then assessed them across 90 days using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: We found that the AR2_24 h parameter positively correlates with the 90 d mRS (r = 0.69, p < 0.001). Moreover, we found that an AR2_24 h > 32% predicts a poorer outcome (90 d mRS > 2), with sensitivity = 100% and specificity = 89%. CONCLUSIONS: Sensor-based parameters might provide useful information for predicting ischemic stroke prognosis in the acute phase.

Epidemiology and aetiology of male and female sexual dysfunctions related to pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and disruption of the lumbosacral plexus, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal system. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic literature review on male and female sexual dysfunctions related to traumatic lesions of the pelvic ring. METHODS: Scopus, Cochrane Library MEDLINE via PubMed, and Embase were searched using the keywords: "Pelvic fracture," "Pelvic Ring Fracture," "Pelvic Ring Trauma," "Pelvic Ring injury," "Sexual dysfunction," "Erectile dysfunction," "dyspareunia," and their MeSH terms in any possible combination. The following questions were formulated according to the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O)) scheme: Do patients suffering from pelvic fracture (P) report worse clinical outcomes (C), in terms of sexual function (O), when urological injury occurs (I)? Is the sexual function (O) influenced by the type of fracture (I)? RESULTS: After screening 268 articles by title and abstract, 77 were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 17 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Overall, 1364 patients (902 males and 462 females, M/F ratio: 1.9) suffering from pelvic fractures were collected. DISCUSSION: Pelvic fractures represent challenging entities, often concomitant with systemic injuries and subsequent morbidity. Anatomical consideration, etiology, correlation between sexual dysfunction and genitourinary lesions, or pelvic fracture type were investigated. CONCLUSION: There are evidences in the literature that the gravity and frequency of SD are related with the pelvic ring fracture type. In fact, patients with APC, VS (according Young-Burgess), or C (according Tile) fracture pattern reported higher incidence and gravity of SD. Only a week association could be found between GUI and incidence and gravity of SD, and relationship between surgical treatment and SD. Electrophysiological tests should be routinely used in patient suffering from SD after pelvic ring injuries.

Skeletal System Biology and Smoke Damage: From Basic Science to Medical Clinic.

Cigarette smoking has a negative impact on the skeletal system, as it reduces bone mass and increases fracture risk through its direct or indirect effects on bone remodeling. Recent evidence demonstrates that smoking causes an imbalance in bone turnover, making bone vulnerable to osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Moreover, cigarette smoking is known to have deleterious effects on fracture healing, as a positive correlation between the daily number of cigarettes smoked and years of exposure has been shown, even though the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It is also well known that smoking causes several medical/surgical complications responsible for longer hospital stays and a consequent increase in the consumption of resources. Smoking cessation is, therefore, highly advisable to prevent the onset of bone metabolic disease. However, even with cessation, some of the consequences appear to continue for decades afterwards. Based on this evidence, the aim of our review was to evaluate the impact of smoking on the skeletal system, especially on bone fractures, and to identify the pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the impairment of fracture healing. Since smoking is a major public health concern, understanding the association between cigarette smoking and the occurrence of bone disease is necessary in order to identify potential new targets for intervention.

COVID-19 pandemic: management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 in Rome COVID Hospital 2 Trauma Centre and safety of our surgical team.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic left a deep mark in the health systems around the globe, leading to an important change in the way we intend the access to the healthcare and its fruition. Hospitals faced something unexpected, and they underwent a deep change and so did orthopaedic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In "A. Gemelli" University hospital new protocols were adopted for the safe management of patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Among these patients, six had to be treated also for orthopaedic problems. The management of these patients, from the admission in the Emergency Room (E.R). to the operating room (O.R.), followed the protocols we developed for the coronavirus crisis. RESULTS: Four among the six patients underwent surgical treatments. Two of them showed a change of their clinical status, due to a worsening of COVID-19 symptoms, so the surgical option was postponed. All of them were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit, rather than the Orthopaedic and Traumatology Unit, in order to provide the best measures to prevent the spread of the contagion and to ensure the best treatment for COVID-19. No O.R. staff was infected by SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to provide a higher statistical significance to the safety measures taken in order to contrast the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the Surgical Room. Orthopaedic surgeons are more exposed to the contagion due to the particular tools set they use. A more sensible and specific quick test for novel Coronavirus is particularly needed, due to the lack of sensitivity of the serological rapid test.

Satisfactory mid-term outcomes of condylar-constrained knee implants in primary total knee arthroplasty: clinical and radiological follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate (1) the reoperation rates and survivorship for septic and aseptic causes, (2) radiographic outcomes, and (3) clinical outcomes of condylar-constrained knee (CCK) implants used in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with severe coronal deformity and/or intraoperative instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of CCK implants in primary TKA was retrospectively evaluated in patients with severe coronal deformities. Forty-nine patients (54 knees) were included with a mean follow-up of 9 years (range 6-12). All patients were treated with a single-design, second-generation CCK implant. The primary diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 36 knees, post-traumatic arthritis in 7 knees, and rheumatoid arthritis in 4 knees. Preoperatively, standing femorotibial alignment was varus in 22 knees and valgus in 20 knees. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 9 years, overall survivorship was 93.6%. Two knees (4.3%) required revision for periprosthetic joint infection. One knee (2.1%) required subsequent arthroscopy due to patellar clunk syndrome. At final follow-up, no evidence of loosening or migration of any implant was reported, and the mean Knee Society knee scores improved from 43 to 86 points (p < 0.001). The mean Knee Society function scores improved to 59 points (p < 0.001). The average flexion contracture improved from 7° preoperatively to 2° postoperatively and the average flexion from 98° to 110°. No knees reported varus-valgus instability in flexion or extension. CONCLUSION: CCK implants in primary TKA with major coronal deformities and/or intraoperative instability provide good midterm survivorship, comparable with less constrained implants. In specific cases, CCK implants can be considered a viable option with good clinical and radiographic outcomes. However, a higher degree of constraint should be used cautiously, leaving the first choice to less constrained implants. Level of evidence Therapeutic study, level IV.

Comparison between posterior sacral plate stabilization versus minimally invasive transiliac-transsacral lag-screw fixation in fractures of sacrum: a single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: The sacrum is a mechanical nucleus working as the base for the spinal column, as well as the keystone of the pelvic ring. Thus, injuries of the sacrum can lead to biomechanical instability and nerve conduction abnormality. METHODS: The common classification is the Denis classification, but these fractures are often part of a lesion of the posterior pelvic ring and therefore the Tile classification is very useful. The goals of operative intervention are to reduce fracture fragments, protect neurological structures, and provide adequate stability for early mobilization. RESULTS: The stabilization of these injuries can be difficult even in a patient with adequate bone stock and concomitant medical comorbidities. The posterior-ring tension-band metallic plate and sacroiliac joint screw are two commonly used methods for posterior internal fixation of the pelvis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we evaluate the differences, in the treatment of sacral fractures, between the two techniques, revising the literature and our experience.