What to Know about Antimicrobial Coatings in Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are one of the most worrying complications orthopedic surgeons could face; thus, methods to prevent them are evolving. Apart from systemic antibiotics, targeted strategies such as local antimicrobial coatings applied to prosthetics have been introduced. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the main antimicrobial coatings available in arthroplasty orthopedic surgery practice. The search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases, focusing on antimicrobial-coated devices used in clinical practice in the arthroplasty world. While silver technology has been widely adopted in the prosthetic oncological field with favorable outcomes, recently, silver associated with hydroxyapatite for cementless fixation, antibiotic-loaded hydrogel coatings, and iodine coatings have all been employed with promising protective results against PJIs. However, challenges persist, with each material having strengths and weaknesses under investigation. Therefore, this narrative review emphasizes that further clinical studies are needed to understand whether antimicrobial coatings can truly revolutionize the field of PJIs.

Promising medium-term results of anterior approach with an anatomical short stem in primary hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: In the last decade, the increase in the use of the direct anterior approach to the hip has contributed to the diffusion of the use of short stems in orthopedic surgery. The aim of the study is to verify the medium-term clinical and radiographic results of a cementless anatomic short stem in the anterior approach to the hip. We also want to verify whether the use of the standard operating room table or the leg positioner can affect the incidence of pre- and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All total hip arthroplasty patients with a 1-year minimum follow-up who were operated using the MiniMAX stem between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this study. Clinical evaluation included the Harris Hip Score (HHS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Hip Outcome Assessment (WOMAC) Score, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaires. Bone resorption and remodeling, radiolucency, osteolysis, and cortical hypertrophy were analyzed in the postoperative radiograph and were related to the final follow-up radiographic results. Complications due to the use of the standard operating room table or the leg positioner were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients (238 hips) were included in the study. Average age at time of surgery was 62 years (range 38-77 years). Mean follow-up time was 67.7 months (range 12-120 months). Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis after 10 years revealed 98.2% survival rate with revision for loosening as endpoint. The mean preoperative and postoperative HHS were 38.35 and 94.2, respectively. The mean preoperative and postoperative WOMAC Scores were 82.4 and 16.8, respectively. SF-36 physical and mental scores averaged 36.8 and 42.4, respectively, before surgery and 72.4 and 76.2, respectively, at final follow-up. The radiographic change around the stem showed bone hypertrophy in 55 cases (23%) at zone 3. In total, 183 surgeries were performed via the direct anterior approach (DAA) on a standard operating room table, and 44 surgeries were performed on the AMIS mobile leg positioner. Comparison between the two patient groups did not reveal significant differences. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a short, anatomic, cementless femoral stem provided stable metaphyseal fixation in younger patients. Our clinical and radiographic results support the use of this short stem in the direct anterior approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Do standards of care and early outcomes of periprosthetic fractures change during the COVID-19 pandemic? A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) are a growing matter for orthopaedic surgeons, and patients with PPFs may represent a frail target in the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether hospital reorganisations during the most severe phase of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic affected standards of care and early outcomes of patients treated for PPFs in Northern Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were retrieved from a multicentre retrospective orthopaedics and traumatology database, including 14 hospitals. The following parameters were studied: demographics, results of nasopharyngeal swabs, prevalence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), comorbidities, general health status (EQ-5D-5L Score), frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale, CFS), pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), anaesthesiologic risk (American Society of Anaesthesiology Score, ASA Score), classification (unified classification system, UCS), type of operation and anaesthesia, in-hospital and early complications (Clavien-Dindo Classification, CDC), and length of stay (LOS). Data were analysed by means of descriptive statistics. Out of 1390 patients treated for any reason, 38 PPFs were included. RESULTS: Median age was 81 years (range 70-96 years). Twenty-three patients (60.5%) were swabbed on admission, and two of them (5.3%) tested positive; in three patients (7.9%), the diagnosis of COVID-19 was established on a clinical and radiological basis. Two more patients tested positive post-operatively, and one of them died due to COVID-19. Thirty-three patients (86.8%) presented a proximal femoral PPF. Median ASA Score was 3 (range, 1-4), median VAS score on admission was 3 (range, 0-6), median CFS was 4 (range, 1-8), median EQ-5D-5L Score was 3 in each one of the categories (range, 1-5). Twenty-three patients (60.5%) developed post-operative complications, and median CDC grade was 3 (range, 1-5). The median LOS was 12.8 days (range 2-36 days), and 21 patients (55.3%) were discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PPFs did not seem to change during the lockdown. Patients were mainly elderly with comorbidities, and complications were frequently recorded post-operatively. Despite the difficult period for the healthcare system, hospitals were able to provide effective conventional surgical treatments for PPFs, which were not negatively influenced by the reorganisation. Continued efforts are required to optimise the treatment of these frail patients in the period of the pandemic, minimising the risk of contamination, and to limit the incidence of PPFs in the future. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Early mortality in hip fracture patients admitted during first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Italy: a multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of hip fractures during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed unique challenges for the management of COVID-19-infected patients and the maintenance of standards of care. The primary endpoint of this study is to compare the mortality rate at 1 month after surgery in symptomatic COVID-positive patients with that of asymptomatic patients. A secondary endpoint of the study is to evaluate, in the two groups of patients, mortality at 1 month on the basis of type of fracture and type of surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this retrospective multicentre study, we reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalised for proximal femur fracture at 14 hospitals in Northern Italy. Two groups were formed: COVID-19-positive patients (C+ group) presented symptoms, had a positive swab for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and received treatment for COVID-19; COVID-19-negative patients (C- group) were asymptomatic and tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. The two groups were compared for differences in time to surgery, survival rate and complications rate. The follow-up period was 1 month. RESULTS: Of the 1390 patients admitted for acute care for any reason, 477 had a proximal femur fracture; 53 were C+ but only 12/53 were diagnosed as such at admission. The mean age was > 80 years, and the mean American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 3 in both groups. There was no substantial difference in time to surgery (on average, 2.3 days for the C+ group and 2.8 for the C- group). As expected, a higher mortality rate was recorded for the C+ group but not associated with the type of hip fracture or treatment. No correlation was found between early treatment (< 48 h to surgery) and better outcome in the C+ group. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fracture in COVID-19-positive patients accounted for 11% of the total. On average, the time to surgery was > 48 h, which reflects the difficulty of maintaining normal workflow during a medical emergency such as the present pandemic and notwithstanding the suspension of non-urgent procedures. Hip fracture was associated with a higher 30-day mortality rate in COVID-19-positive patients than in COVID-19-negative patients. This fact should be considered when communicating with patients and/or their family. Our data suggest no substantial difference in hip fracture management between patients with or without COVID-19 infection. In this sample, the COVID-19-positive patients were generally asymptomatic at admission; therefore, routine screening is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level 4.

The orthopaedic and traumatology scenario during Covid-19 outbreak in Italy: chronicles of a silent war.

BACKGROUND: From February 21, the day of hospitalisation in ICU of the first diagnosed case of Covid-19, the social situation and the hospitals' organisation throughout Italy dramatically changed. METHODS: The CIO (Club Italiano dell'Osteosintesi) is an Italian society devoted to the study of traumatology that counts members spread in public and private hospitals throughout the country. Fifteen members of the CIO, Chairmen of 15 Orthopaedic and Trauma Units of level 1 or 2 trauma centres in Italy, have been involved in the study. They were asked to record data about surgical, outpatients clinics and ER activity from the 23rd of February to the 4th of April 2020. The data collected were compared with the data of the same timeframe of the previous year (2019). RESULTS: Comparing with last year, overall outpatient activity reduced up to 75%, overall Emergency Room (ER) trauma consultations up to 71%, elective surgical activity reduced up to 100% within two weeks and trauma surgery excluding femoral neck fractures up to 50%. The surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures showed a stable reduction from 15 to 20% without a significant variation during the timeframe. CONCLUSIONS: Covid-19 outbreak showed a tremendous impact on all orthopaedic trauma activities throughout the country except for the surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures, which, although reduced, did not change in percentage within the analysed timeframe.

Single intra-articular injection of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular (IA) injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) into the hip joint appears to be safe and well tolerated but only a small number of randomized clinical trials in humans has been published. The objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single IA injection of high-molecular-weight (2800 kDa) HA (Coxarthrum) for hip osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients received a single IA administration of 2.5 % sodium hyaluronate (75 mg/3 mL) of high molecular weight. Fluoroscopy requires an iodized contrast medium (iopamidol, 1 ml) which highlights the capsule before administering HA. Patients were evaluated before IA injection (T0), after 3 months, after 6 months and after 1 year from injection. Results were evaluated by the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI II), Harris Hip Score and a visual analog scale of pain (pain VAS). All treated patients were considered for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients were included at T0. The mean age was 67 years (range 46-81). Regarding BPI severity score, changes in pain between T0 and the three following visits were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Changes in pain score compared to the previous visit were statistically significant for the worst pain in the second quarter post-intervention (p = 0.037) and for mean pain in the second semester post-intervention (p = 0.043) The evolution of the Harris Hip Score was statistically highly significant (p < 0.001) between T0 and the following visits (T0 + 3 months, T0 + 6 months and T0 + 12 months); after a significant change between T0 and T0 + 3 months, the score remained stable. The evolution of the pain VAS showed a statistically highly significant improvement (p < 0.001) between T0 and T0 + 3 months; thereafter it remained stable from the first quarter post-intervention. No serious adverse event was noted; 12 cases (0.5 %) of pain associated with transient synovitis are noteworthy. CONCLUSION: This study shows that a single IA injection of Coxarthrum is effective from the third month and that the results are stable or continue to improve up to 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Effectiveness of intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate-chondroitin sulfate in knee osteoarthritis: a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid is a well-established therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of the use of Arthrum HCS(®) (40 mg hyaluronic acid and 40 mg chondroitin sulfate in 2 mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an open, multicenter, prospective study. Men or women over 40 years of age with documented knee osteoarthritis and WOMAC subscore A (severity of pain) ≥25 were enrolled. They received three weekly intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate 2 % and chondroitin sulfate 2 % in combination. WOMAC subscore A was assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months after the last injection. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve patients were included (women, 66 %). The mean (SD) WOMAC subscore A decreased from 52.1 (15.2) at inclusion to 20.5 (19.7) at month 6 (P < 0.0001). The mean subscore was already significantly decreased 1 month after the last injection at 25.7 (P < 0.0001). Pain relief and consumption of analgesic drugs, both assessed with visual analogic scale (VAS), consistently decreased. The investigators were satisfied/very satisfied as regards the therapeutic effectiveness of sodium hyaluronate-chondroitin sulfate in reducing pain (77 %), improving mobility (78 %) and reducing the consumption of analgesics (74 %). Only one adverse effect was reported by one patient (knee tumefaction). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that intra-articular injections of Arthrum HCS(®) (sodium hyaluronate plus chondroitin sulfate) in patients with knee osteoarthritis are efficient and safe. These results should be confirmed in a randomized controlled study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Bilateral double osteotomy in severe torsional malalignment syndrome: 16 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Torsional malalignment syndrome (TMS) is a well defined condition consisting of a combination of femoral antetorsion and tibial lateral torsion. The axis of knee motion is medially rotated. This may lead to patellofemoral malalignment with an increased Q angle and chondromalacia, patellar subluxation and dislocation. Conservative management is recommended in all but the most rare and severest cases. In these cases deformity correction requires osteotomies at two levels per limb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1987 to 2002 in our institution three patients underwent double femoral and tibial osteotomy for TMS bilateral correction (12 osteotomies). All patients were reviewed at mean follow-up of 16 years. RESULTS: At final follow-up no patients reported persistence of knee or hip pain. At clinical examination both lower limbs showed a normal axis and a normal patella anterior position. Pre-operative femoral version measurement showed an average hip internal rotation of 81.5° (range 80°-85°) and average hip external rotation of 27.2° (10°-40°). Thigh-foot angle measurement showed an average value of 38.6° (32°-45°). At final follow-up femoral version measurement showed an average hip internal rotation of 49° (range 45°-55°) and average hip internal rotation of 44.3° (20°-48°) (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Thigh-foot angles measurement showed an average value of 21.6° (18°-24°) outward. CONCLUSION: We recommend a clinical, radiographical and CT scan evaluation of all torsional deformity. In cases of significant deformity, internally rotating the tibia alone is not sufficient. Ipsilateral outward femoral and inward tibial osteotomies are our current recommendation for TMS, both performed at the same surgical setting.

Periprosthetic Hip Fractures around the Stem: Can the Stem Design Affect Fracture Features?

Background: Total hip arthroplasty is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries; nevertheless, many of these surgeries are the causes of failure, and among them, periprosthetic fractures are one of the major causes of revision. Our study focuses on periprosthetic hip fractures with two different stem designs. The aim of the study was to analyze the obtained results, focusing on the features of periprosthetic stem fractures observed. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed periprosthetic fractures occurring between 2010 and 2023, involving Alloclassic® or CLS® uncemented femoral stems. We analyzed demographic data, proximal femur morphology, and the fracture type. Results: We identified 97 patients. Considering the proximal femur morphology, we found that there was statistically significant prevalence of Dorr A proximal femur morphology in the CLS® group and of Dorr C in the Alloclassic® group. Considering the distribution of the fracture pattern, we reported a non-statistically significant prevalence of the fracture pattern with stable stems in the CLS® group. Conclusions: The choice of the prosthetic design of the femoral stem is a crucial element when planning total hip arthroplasty. However, we found a non-statistically significant difference between the two stems considered, raising questions about the real role of stem design as a primary determinant of periprosthetic hip fractures.

Failure of intertrochanteric nailing due to distal nail jamming.

Nail impingement against the anterior femoral cortex during nail insertion, or anterior cortex penetration, has been described in the literature as a worrying complication. We describe a previously unreported surgical failure due to a compromised dynamic distal locking caused by distal jamming of the nail. An 80-year-old male suffered a closed right intertrochanteric femoral fracture. Due to the presence of a long medial fragment, a 240 mm long titanium trochanteric nail was chosen to stabilize the fracture. Dynamic distal locking was performed by placing the distal screw at the inferior rim of the elliptical locking hole to allow compression of the fracture site during weight-bearing. Six-month X-ray follow-up revealed a broken nail and nonunion of the fracture due to failed dynamization of the distal locking screw. The nail was removed and replaced by a total arthroplasty. Due to the femoral anterior bow of the shaft, anterior cortical impingement of the distal tip of a nail may result in the failure of the nail to slide within the diaphyseal canal when using a medium-length nail preventing compression of the fracture. Dynamic distal locking can be ineffective if the ability of the distal nail to slide within the diaphyseal canal is hindered. This type of scenario can represent an opportunity for anterior nail impingement. Distal jamming of the nail can thus compromise dynamic compression at the fracture site during loading, thus inducing nonunion of the fracture, and leading to breakage of the osteosynthesis device. For these reasons, caution is recommended when using medium-length trochanteric nails for unstable trochanteric fractures.

Direct anterior approach hip arthroplasty: How to reduce complications - A 10-years single center experience and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty (DAA-THA) is increasing in popularity due to some advantages such as less surgical trauma, minimal dissection of soft tissues, shorter rehabilitation times, faster return to daily activities, lower incidence of dislocation. On the other hand, the literature reports a high rate of intraoperative complications, with many different rates and complication types in the published papers. AIM: To analyze our complications comparing results with the literature; to report measures that we have taken to reduce complications rate. METHODS: All DAA-THA patients with one year minimum follow up who were operated at a single high-volume centre, between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. All surgeries were performed using cementless short anatomical or straight stems and press fit cups. Patients' follow-up was performed, at 6 wk, 3 mo, then annually post-surgery with clinical and radiological evaluation. Primary outcomes were stem revision for aseptic loosening and all-cause stem revision. Second outcome was intra-operative and post-operative complications identification. RESULTS: A total of 394 patients underwent DDA-THA from January 2010 and December 2019, for a total of 412 hips; twelve patients lost to follow-up and one patient who died from causes not related to surgery were excluded from the study. The average age at the time of surgery was 61 years (range from 28 to 78 years). Mean follow-up time was 64.8 mo (range 12-120 mo). Seven stems were revised. One cortical perforation, one trochanteric and lateral cortical wall intraoperative fracture, one diaphyseal fracture, three clinically symptomatic early subsidence and one late aseptic loosening. We also observed 3 periprosthetic fractures B1 according to the Vancouver Classification. Other minor complications not requiring stem revision were 5 un-displaced fractures of the calcar region treated with preventive cerclage, one early infection, one case of late posterior dislocation, 18 case of asymptomatic stem subsidence, 6 cases of lateral cutaneous femoral nerve dysesthesia. CONCLUSION: DAA is associated to good outcomes and lower incidence of dislocation. Complication rate can be reduced by mindful patient selection, thorough preoperative planning, sufficient learning curve and use of intraoperative imaging.

DIPHOS® nail for proximal humeral fractures: our experience with more than 190 procedures and surgical tips.

AIM: evaluate the outcome of proximal  humeral nailing over 5 years follow-up, focusing  on possible complications. Secondary endpoint is the description and analysis of some technical notes to simplify surgical procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the cohort is composed by 194 fractures fixed with short nail. Neer Classification was used to assess the type of fracture; Deltoid Tuberosity Index (DTI) was applied to verify local bone quality. Follow-up with X-rays and orthopaedic evaluation was conducted on every operated subject. RESULTS: mean follow up of the study was 25.4 months. We registered an average CMS score of 84.66 points for 2-parts fractures, 79.05 points for 3-part fractures and 68.62 points for 4-parts fractures. We obtained radiographical healing in 95.9% of patients (186/194) after 2.7 months on average. We recorded "very good" / "good" results in 90.3% of 2-parts fractures, 88.5% of 3-parts fractures and 46.2% of 4-part fractures. Overall complication rate was 10.3% (20/194 nails).  Second surgery was performed in 8.2% (16/194) of cases. CONCLUSION: intramedullary nailing is an effective treatment for 2 and 3-part fractures with relatively low incidence of complications, small surgical accesses and short surgical time. Future researches are necessary to analyze the results related to nailing in 4-fragment fractures, still uncertain and influenced by multiple factors. The presence of the intramedullary nail reduces the lever arm of the screws making the osteosynthesis more reliable. Modern nails guarantee angular stability for proximal cancellous screws and allows 1 or 2 screws at calcar level to get a valid medial support.

Kinematics and kinetics comparison of ultra-congruent versus medial-pivot designs for total knee arthroplasty by multibody analysis.

Nowadays, several configurations of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) implants are commercially available whose designs resulted from clinical and biomechanical considerations. Previous research activities led to the development of the so-called medial-pivot (MP) design. However, the actual benefits of the MP, with respect to other prosthesis designs, are still not well understood. The present work compares the impact of two insert geometries, namely the ultra-congruent (UC) and medial-pivot (MP), on the biomechanical behaviour of a bicondylar total knee endoprosthesis. For this purpose, a multibody model of a lower limb was created alternatively integrating the two implants having the insert geometry discretized. Joint dynamics and contact pressure distributions were evaluated by simulating a squat motion. Results showed a similar tibial internal rotation range of about 3.5°, but an early rotation occurs for the MP design. Furthermore, the discretization of the insert geometry allowed to efficiently derive the contact pressure distributions, directly within the multibody simulation framework, reporting peak pressure values of 33 MPa and 20 MPa for the UC and MP, respectively. Clinically, the presented findings confirm the possibility, through a MP design, to achieve a more natural joint kinematics, consequently improving the post-operative patient satisfaction and potentially reducing the occurrence of phenomena leading to the insert loosening.

Tronco-conical locking plate in distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Volar locked plates represent the most popular fixation technique for distal radius fracture (DRF). However, threaded screw-hole angular stability mechanism has some issues. The purpose of our study is to evaluate clinical and radiological outcome of a tronco-conical locking mechanism for volar plating of DRF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients with DRF treated with tronco-conical locking volar plates between May 2013 to December 2017 in two institutions were collected. We analysed clinical and radiological outcomes and peri-operative complications, like loss of reduction, fragment displacement, deformation or implant-related problems and surgical and other general complications. RESULTS: 78 patients were available for at final follow-up. The average follow-up period was 11.4 months (range, 6-18 months). All fractures healed within three months. Five cases of final reductions were defined unsatisfying. According to Gartland and Werley's scoring system at final follow up, 36 patients had excellent results, 40 patients had good results, one patient had fair and one patient had poor results. Five complications were observed. No complications were observed during surgical plate removal. CONCLUSION: Complications found in our study are not related to tronco-conical locking mechanism and are like those found in the literature. Further studies are needed to evaluate functional results or radiographic parameters of this new type of angular stability mechanism. Tronco-conical locking plate is an attractive alternative threaded screw-hole angular stability mechanism.

Retrospective analysis of outcomes and complications after Korus hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with neck femur fractures.

BACKGROUND: Femoral neck fractures (FNF) is one of the most common traumatic events in elderly patients: the choice of an appropriate treatment is necessary to decrease the related mortality and to achieve the best possible outcomes. Nowadays, it is still debated whether or not to cement the stem in hemiarthroplasty and above all, which stem to use to best respect the integrity of the elderly bone. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, a bi-centric study utilizing prospectively collected databases of elderly patients with FNF treated with uncemented Korus stem hemiarthroplasty was performed. Patients were preoperatively classified according to ASA score. Patients' clinical and X-ray follow-up was at 1, 3, 6, 12 months. Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for analysed clinical improvement. On the X-rays, we analysed iatrogenic fractures, osteolysis area and radiolucent lines in the stem region during follow up. RESULTS: 233 patients were identified. Median follow-up was 12 months. Over time, 51 patients died (21.88%). Mean age was 89,56 ± 6,25. 75 patients had ASA score of 2 (32.3%), 102 patients a score of 3 (43.7%), 56 an ASA score of 4 (24,0%). The main Harris hip score was 68,66 ± 8.53 at 1 month of follow-up, 71,74 ± 9.65 after 3 months, 72,50 ± 10.66 at 6 months and 75,61 ± 9.63 at 12 months control. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxyapatite coated stem with an accurate design guarantee early fixation, good clinical and radiographic results, low rate of re-intervention and mortality rate and a satisfying return to pre-injury activities.

Proximal humerus fractures in COVID-19 lockdown: the experience of three orthopedics and traumatology departments in the first ten weeks of the Italian epidemic.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease (CoVID-19) is causing millions of deaths worldwide and the crisis of the global healthcare system.  Aim Of The Study: evaluate the preliminary impact of CoVID-19 in three Italian Orthopedics and Traumatology Departments in the first 10 weeks of the national lockdown. We focused on proximal humerus fractures, analyzing data and results in comparison with the same period of 2019. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 22nd to May 3rd 2020, 55 patients were admitted to our departments for promixal humerus fractures. Our cohort of patients is composed by 13 males (23.6%) and 42 females (76.4%), with an average age of 73.8 ± 11.7 years (range 44 - 94). Trauma occurred at home in 43 cases (78.2%), by the roadside in 10 cases (18.2%), in a retirement home in 1 case (1.8%), and at work in 1 case (1.8%). We proposed surgical treatment in 15/55 cases, but 4 patients refused hospitalization, mainly because of the risk of contracting n-CoV19 infection. RESULTS: We noticed a decrease in proximal humerus fractures compared to 2019 (-37.5%). Particularly, we observed a significant drop in traumas occurred on the road and at work respectively 23.9% and 3.4%% in 2019, and 18.2% and 1.8% in 2020, probably due to the consequences of the national lockdown. Sports traumas had a reset during the pandemic (6 cases in 2019, 0 in 2020). As consequence, surgical treatment had a decrease due to the reduction in number of fractures, indications and patient's consent. CONCLUSION: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures had a significant reduction during CoVID-19 spread. We assume that the reasons of this reduction are to be found in the national lockdown (since March 10th, 2020) and Ministerial Decrees that limited the access to the E.R. only in case of severe traumas in order to avoid CoVID-19 spread.

Clinical Activities, Contaminations of Surgeons and Cooperation with Health Authorities in 14 Orthopedic Departments in North Italy during the Most Acute Phase of Covid-19 Pandemic.

Background: From 10 March up until 3 May 2020 in Northern Italy, the SARS-CoV-2 spread was not contained; disaster triage was adopted. The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of the COVID-19-pandemic on the Orthopedic and Trauma departments, focusing on: hospital reorganization (flexibility, workload, prevalence of COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2, standards of care); effects on staff; subjective orthopedic perception of the pandemic. Material and Methods: Data regarding 1390 patients and 323 surgeons were retrieved from a retrospective multicentric database, involving 14 major hospitals. The subjective directors' viewpoints regarding the economic consequences, communication with the government, hospital administration and other departments were collected. Results: Surgical procedures dropped by 73%, compared to 2019, elective surgery was interrupted. Forty percent of patients were screened for SARS-CoV-2: 7% with positive results. Seven percent of the patients received medical therapy for COVID-19, and only 48% of these treated patients had positive swab tests. Eleven percent of surgeons developed COVID-19 and 6% were contaminated. Fourteen percent of the staff were redirected daily to COVID units. Communication with the Government was perceived as adequate, whilst communication with medical Authorities was considered barely sufficient. Conclusions: Activity reduction was mandatory; the screening of carriers did not seem to be reliable and urgent activities were performed with a shortage of workers and a slower workflow. A trauma network and dedicated in-hospital paths for COVID-19-patients were created. This experience provided evidence for coordinated responses in order to avoid the propagation of errors.

Contraceptive subcutaneous device migration: what does an orthopaedic surgeon need to know? A case report and literature review.

Subdermal contraceptive implant is approved in more than 60 countries and used by millions of women around the world. Although relatively safe in nature, their implantation and removal may be associated with potential complications, some of which may require surgical intervention. Two types of peripheral neurological complications are reported: complications related to compressive neuropathy caused by device decubitus and complications related to device improper removal. An healthy 35-year-old woman come to our attention for paresthesia from medial side of right elbow to fourth and fifth fingers. Tinel sign was positive on medial side of distal third of right arm, above the elbow, as well. Clinical history of patients revealed a subcutaneous placement of a etonogestrel implant 3 years before. Patients reported disappearing of tactile feeling of subcutaneous contraceptive implant since two months. At clinical examination, implant was not felt in its original subcutaneous place. X-rays control revealed its proximal and deep migration. Surgical exploration for subcutaneous contraceptive implant removal revealed it lying on the ulnar nerve. Patient referred immediate paresthesia disappearing after surgery. At 1 month follow up no motor or sensory alteration were evident. Removal of implants inserted too deeply must be carefully performed to prevent damages to nervous and vascular structures and it should be performed by operators who are very familiar with the anatomy of the arm. In case of chronic neuropathy caused by implant nerve compression only an appropriate patients information about rare but possible neuropathic symptoms related to device migration and a careful medical history collecting can avoid a mistaken diagnosis of canalicular syndrome.

Acetabular de-escalation in hip revision.

BACKGROUND: The idea of ''de-escalation'' (DE) indicates an arthroplasty revision performed by changing a revision component by a primary component. Aim of this study is to verify if this technique can represent an option in case of cage or ring failure. METHODS: We observed five cases of revision hip cage loosening with complete allograft consolidation. This group of patients were revised with use of a primary cup and were specifically followed in ours institutions offices. Patients were clinically and radiologically followed every 6 months for the next two years and then annually Results: At final follow-up (15-2 years, mean 6 years) four patients (80%) showed a good recovery of their levels of activity. The mean Harris hip score improved from 20 points (range,7-38 points) preoperatively to 48 points (range, 16-88 points). At final radiological follow-up acetabular components were radiographically stable at the last follow-up. One patient (20%) at two years follow-up, was unable to walk without crutchies due to hip pain. X-rays showed cup loosening in all three zones. Patient was dissatisfied. Primary cup was revised with a Burch Schneider cage. CONCLUSIONS: De-escalation technique is a surgical option to consider in case of young patients, limited number of previous revisions and more than three years survivorship of loosened acetabular cage.