Ortho-oncoplastic surgery in foot and ankle: A narrative overview on reconstruction of soft-tissue defects after oncologic resections.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumors of the foot are rare, and treatment strategies are challenging considering the complex anatomy of this area. In recent years, dramatic advances in technology and collaborations between different specialties (such as orthopedic, oncology, radiology, plastic, and vascular surgery) significantly changed the approach to complex malignant tumors without resorting to limb removal. The combination of the strengths of both orthopedic surgery and plastic surgery constitutes the modern definition of "orthoplasty." The aim of this review article is to provide treatment strategies that are available for reconstruction of foot and ankle in limb-salvage surgery after tumor resection, with a specific focus on microsurgical techniques in plastic surgery. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for relevant papers across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. We included patient-based studies reporting on procedures for soft-tissue reconstruction with small and large soft tissue defects. Indications, pros and cons, and technique tips are discussed for each type of reconstructive technique. RESULTS: The search was done using literature of the past 30 years (from 1990 to date), resulting in about 725 articles describing over 2000 cases. Cutaneous flaps included lateral supramalleolar flap, medial plantar flap, reverse sural neurocutaneous island flap, medial leg flap, and lateral leg flap. Free flaps included anterolateral thigh flap, radial forearm flap, latissimus dorsi flap, gracilis muscle flap, lateral arm flap, and rectus abdominis flap. CONCLUSIONS: The orthoplastic approach in musculoskeletal oncology is a collaborative model of orthopedic and plastic surgeons working together, resulting in a higher rate of successful limb salvage in patients at risk for amputation. Protocols, biologic substitutes, and surgical techniques are largely improved in the last decades increasing the possibility of functional reconstruction. Microsurgical strategies represent the new frontiers in these demanding reconstructions.

Reconstructive surgery after distal fibular resection due to bone tumors: a technical report on surgical strategies and results from the PROSPERO international register of systematic reviews.

Purpose: Primary bone tumors of the fibula are rare. Distal fibular resection has a significant impact on ankle biomechanics and gait, possibly leading to complications such as ankle instability, valgus deformity, and degenerative changes. Question: Is there a need for reconstructive surgery after distal fibular resection, and what reconstructive procedures are available? Materials and methods: The review is registered with the PROSPERO International Register of Systematic Reviews. Inclusion criteria consisted of all levels of evidence, human studies, patients of all ages and genders, publication in English, and resection of the distal portion of the fibula due to tumor pathology. The reviewers defined four different categories of interest by method of treatment. Additional articles of interest during full-text review were also added. Results: The initial search resulted with a total of 2958 records. After screening, a total of 50 articles were included in the study. Articles were divided into 'No reconstruction', 'Soft tissue reconstruction', 'Bone and soft tissue reconstruction', and 'Arthrodesis, arthroplasty or other reconstruction options' groups. Conclusion: Limb salvage surgery should be followed by reconstruction in order to avoid complications. Soft tissue reconstructions should always be considered to stabilize the joint after fibular resection. Bone reconstruction with reversed vascularized fibula is the preferred technique in young patients and in cases of bone defects more than 3 cm, while arthrodesis should be considered in adult patients. Whenever possible for oncologic reason, if a residual peroneal malleolus could be preserved, we prefer augmentation with a sliding ipsilateral fibular graft.

Nursing Leadership in a Post-Pandemic Elective Orthopaedic Theatre Department: A Detailed Thematic Analysis of an Open-Ended Qualitative Survey.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nursing theatre staff, departmental activity, and delivery of services to patients. This work-based project aimed to investigate the challenges of nursing leadership in an elective orthopaedic department at current times. METHODS: The study collected qualitative data exploring theatre staff's expectations from leadership, offering insight on how the pandemic has influenced the way of working and exploring how the future in this unit may look. The answers from 20 practitioners to an anonymised open-ended survey were examined using thematic analysis. RESULTS: The participants described a leader as a good communicator who focuses on empowering others and supporting the team, identified by the majority as a senior team member. From the findings, three topics were identified: immediate changes, delayed changes, and pre-existing conditions. The answers painted a reality that is complex and multifaceted, where numerous variables play a part in the physical and mental health of each candidate, impacting their performance as well as their work/life balance. Overall, the strongest subjects recurring in the findings were the need for nursing leadership to focus on supporting staff with training opportunities, to actively plan for a reduction in staffing shortages, and to be constantly mindful of staff well-being. CONCLUSIONS: This study pointed out that the need for constant communication with their staff, building honest relationships, and being a reliable leader, focused on empowering others and supporting the team were important factors for the nursing management during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-COVID-19 era.

When Is a Two-Stage Surgical Procedure Indicated in the Treatment of Pseudotumors of the Hip? A Retrospective Study of 21 Cases and a Review of the Literature.

(1) Background: A pseudotumor of the hip is a sterile, non-neoplastic soft tissue mass associated with total hip arthroplasties. Pseudotumors may mimic soft tissue tumors or infections, and thus a differential diagnosis is crucial, and biopsy is recommended. The purpose of this study was to compare the complications and functional results between one-stage and two-stage procedures. (2) Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 21 patients surgically treated at our institution with "pseudotumors" associated with hip prosthesis (8 male, 13 female with a mean age of 69 years). One-stage revision was performed in 10 cases and two-stage reversion in 10, with excision only in 1 case. Complications were classified as major and minor and functional results assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). (3) Results: Five patients (24%) reported major complications. The survival rate for all complications was 75%. The overall survival rate was 95% at 5 years. The mean HHS ranged from 35 pre-op to 75 post-op, highlighting improved functional results in all cases. We recorded no differences in complications or functional outcomes between the one- and two-stage procedures. (4) Conclusions: In our experience, the two-stage surgical approach is preferable in cases with major bone defects and larger pseudotumor sizes. The use of custom-made 3D-printed prostheses is increasing and is a further reason to prefer two-stage revision.

Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview.

In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences impact the musculoskeletal system's structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity-mortality paradox, where women, despite appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns, necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sex- and gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and gender and the inclusion of "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" (SOGI) data in research and clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective, and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field.

Bridging the Gap: A Mixed-Method Study on Gender and Sexuality Awareness in Medical Education and Practice.

BACKGROUND: The integration of gender and sexuality awareness in healthcare is increasingly recognized as vital for patient outcomes. Despite this, there is a notable lack of comprehensive data on the current state of physicians' training and perceptions in these areas, leading to a gap in targeted educational interventions and optimal healthcare delivery. OBJECTIVE: The study's aim was to explore the experiences and perceptions of attending and resident physicians regarding the inclusion of gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula and professional practice in Israel. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey targeted a diverse group of physicians across various specializations and experience levels. Distributed through Israeli medical associations and professional networks, it included sections on experiences with gender and sexuality content, perceptions of knowledge, the impact of medical school curricula on professional capabilities, and views on integrating gender medicine in medical education. Descriptive and correlational analyses, along with gender-based and medical status-based comparisons, were employed, complemented and enhanced by qualitative analysis of participants' replies. RESULTS: The survey, encompassing 189 respondents, revealed low-to-moderate exposure to gender and sexuality content in medical school curricula, with a similar perception of preparedness. A need for more comprehensive training was widely recognized. The majority valued training in these areas for enhancing professional capabilities, identifying ten essential gender-related knowledge areas. The preference for integrating gender medicine throughout medical education was significant. Gender-based analysis indicated variations in exposure and perceptions. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a crucial need for the inclusion of gender and sexuality awareness in medical education and practice. It suggests the necessity for curriculum development, targeted training programs, policy advocacy, mentorship initiatives, and research to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. The findings serve as a foundation for future directions in medical education, aiming for a more inclusive, aware, and prepared medical workforce.

Adaptive Shooting Disciplines: A Scoping Review of the Literature with Bibliometric Analysis.

Para-archery and para-shooting, two very popular adaptive shooting disciplines that have earned their place as major official events in the Paralympic Games, share some similarities, as well as distinctive features in terms of rules, physiological requirements, and equipment used. The International Paralympic Committee has a clear responsibility to ensure that all sports within its jurisdiction, including adaptive shooting, can achieve excellence in their respective fields. To achieve this, the conduct of well-designed studies and rigorous research is essential. Although some research has been conducted in this area, a comprehensive and systematic evaluation is still needed. Therefore, the present study aims to provide a thorough review and synthesis of existing research on adaptive shooting disciplines, identify strengths and gaps, and suggest future directions. Arksey and O'Malley's methodology is leveraged and enhanced with bibliometric and policy analyses to review literature on adaptive shooting. Databases like PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, OvidSP, and EMBASE were searched, focusing on studies in adaptive shooting disciplines and analysing these findings through a blend of thematic and statistical methods. Twenty-four studies totalling 483 para-athletes (299 para-shooters and 184 para-archers) are included in this scoping review, focusing on a range of aspects, including physiological responses (n = 9), research design and measurement methods for evidence-based classification (n = 6), biopsychosocial aspects (n = 3), development of new methods and technologies (n = 4), kinematic and biomechanical assessment (n = 1), and epidemiology of injuries (n = 1). Seven articles focused exclusively on para-archery, thirteen exclusively on para-shooting, and four on both para-archery and para-shooting. In conclusion, the available literature on adaptive shooting disciplines is still very limited, especially regarding para-archery compared to para-shooting. This highlights the need for further research in many key areas to ensure a better understanding of the different disciplines and to provide appropriate support for para-athletes. Future research in para-archery and para-shooting should focus on technological innovations, biomechanical studies, and psychological support to enhance athlete performance and accessibility. Addressing the imbalance between the two disciplines, along with injury prevention and global participation, can drive the sports towards greater inclusivity and equity for para-athletes worldwide.