Accuracy of two-dimensional digital planning in uncemented primary hip arthroplasty: monocentric analysis of eight hundred implants.

PURPOSE: In the last decades, there has been a refinement in total hip arthroplasty, which allowed surgeons to achieve the highest performance and better patient outcomes. Preoperative planning in primary hip arthroplasty is an essential step that guides the surgeon in restoring the anatomy and biomechanics of the joint. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the 2D digital planning, considering cup sizing, stem sizing, and limb length discrepancy. Additionally, we conducted a multivariable analysis of demographic data and comorbidities to find factors influencing preoperative planning. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the planning accuracy in 800 consecutive uncemented primary total hip arthroplasty. We compared the preoperatively planned total hip arthroplasty with postoperative results regarding the planned component size, the implanted size, and the lower limb length restoration. Therefore, we investigated factors influencing planning accuracy: overweight and obesity, sex, age, past medical history, comorbidities, and implant design. All the surgeries were performed in the posterolateral approach by one expert surgeon who did the preoperative planning. The preoperative planning was determined to be (a) exact if the planned and the implanted components were the same size and (b) accurate if exact ± one size. The restoration of postoperative limb length discrepancy was classified into three groups: ± 3 mm, ± 5 mm, and ± 10 mm. This assessment was performed through a digital method 2D based on a standard hip X-ray. RESULTS: This court of 800 implants showed that planning was exact in 60% of the cups and 44% of the stems and was accurate in 94% of the cups and 80% of the stems. The postoperative limb length discrepancy was ± 3 mm in 91% and ± 5 mm in 97%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed preoperative 2D digital planning great precision and reliability, and we demonstrated that it was accurate in 94% of the cups and 80% of the stems. Therefore, the preoperative limb length discrepancy analysis was essential to guarantee the recovery of the operated limb's correct length.

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.

Gaps and alternative surgical and non-surgical approaches in the bone fragility management: an updated review.

Osteoporotic fractures are one of the major problems facing healthcare systems worldwide. Undoubtedly, fragility fractures of the hip represent a far greater burden in terms of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs than other fracture sites. However, despite the significant impact on the health and quality of life of older adults, there is a general lack of awareness of osteoporosis, which results in suboptimal care. In fact, most high-risk individuals are never identified and do not receive adequate treatment, leading to further fragility fractures and worsening health status. Furthermore, considering the substantial treatment gap and the proven cost-effectiveness of fracture prevention programs such as Fracture Liaison Services, urgent action is needed to ensure that all individuals at high risk of fragility fracture are adequately assessed and treated. Based on this evidence, the aim of our review was to (i) provide an overview and comparison of the burden and management of fragility fractures, highlighting the main gaps, and (ii) highlight the importance of using alternative approaches, both surgical and non-surgical, with the aim of implementing early prevention of osteoporotic fractures and improving the management of osteoporotic patients at imminent and/or very high risk of fracture.

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.

Current concepts in hip-spine relationships: making them practical for total hip arthroplasty.

Hip, spine, and pelvis move in coordination with one another during activity, forming the lumbopelvic complex (LPC). These movements are characterized by the spinopelvic parameters sacral slope, pelvic tilt, and pelvic incidence, which define a patient's morphotype. LPC kinematics may be classified by various systems, the most comprehensive of which is the Bordeaux Classification. Hip-spine relationships in total hip arthroplasty (THA) may influence impingement, dislocation, and edge loading. Historical 'safe zones' may not apply to patients with impaired spinopelvic mobility; adjustment of cup inclination and version and stem version may be necessary to achieve functional orientation and avert complications. Stem design, bearing surface (including dual mobility), and head size are part of the armamentarium to treat abnormal hip-spine relationships. Special attention should be directed to patients with adult spine deformity or fused spine because they are at increased risk of complications after THA.

Bone Marrow Edema: Overview of Etiology and Treatment Strategies.

➤: Bone marrow edema (BME) is a nonspecific but relevant finding, usually indicating the presence of an underlying pathology. ➤: The gold standard technique for detecting BME is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as it allows for a correct diagnosis to be made, which is extremely important given the heterogeneity of BME-related diseases. ➤: Depending on the severity of painful symptomatology and the MRI evidence, different treatment strategies can be followed: physical modalities, pharmacological options, and surgical therapy.

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.

Is varus-valgus constraint a reliable option in complex primary total knee arthroplasty? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Knee instability is considered one of the most frequent cause of failure after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In order to address intraoperative instability, varus-valgus constrained knee implants (VVC) are increasingly utilized in primary TKA. Despite an increased risk of mechanical failure, short to mid-term results seem to be encouraging, but long-term results are still lacking. METHODS: A systematic review of prospective and retrospective studies that reported clinical outcomes of patients with VVC systems in primary TKAs between 1990 and 2020 was performed. RESULTS: In all, 28 articles met our inclusion criteria. A total of 2798 VVC implants were used in primary TKA. The all-cause revision-free survivorship was 95.2% at a mean follow-up of 7 years. Infection and aseptic loosening were the most common reasons for reoperation with an incidence of 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively. Overall complication rate was 9.6%, the most common complications were knee stiffness and infection with an incidence of 2.8% and 2.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VVC implants in primary TKA are associated with improved functional outcomes and good mid-term survivorship, comparable to lower level of constraint implants. Non-modular stemless seem to be reliable implants at mid-term follow-up. However, given the lack data coming from long-term studies, VVC implants should be used cautiously in primary TKA.

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.

Over the top anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with open physes: a long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in skeletally immature athletes is becoming an injury with increasing incidence. Choices of treatment are still debated, including conservative management vs. various surgical techniques. The lack of long-term reports has been highlighted in the literature. AIM: To evaluate long-term results of ACL reconstructions performed in skeletally immature patients using the Over the Top technique with lateral extra-articular tenodesis. METHODS: Retrospective study. All surgeries performed by same surgeon. A total of 42 patients included. All patients had pre-operative radiological studies. SUBJECTS: 30 males and 12 females. Average age: 12.5 years (range 11-14 years). Average follow-up: 96.1 months. Clinical evaluation: Pedi-IKDC, Tegner-Lysholm, KT-1000 and plain radiographs. Standardized rehabilitation protocol. RESULTS: No instability or leg length discrepancy was recorded. Average pre-operative Tegner-Lysholm and Pedi-IKDC scores were 55 and 40, respectively, with a score of 94.8 (p < 0.05) and 94.78, respectively, at final follow-up (p < 0.05). Average post-operative (1 month) Tegner-Lysholm score: 75 (range: 62-79). Median post-operative Tegner activity: 8. Mean side-to-side (KT-1000): 1.2 mm. A total of 22 patients could go back to pre-injury sport activity, with an average rehabilitation of 7.3 months. DISCUSSION: A significant number of cases were included in our structured standardized study and follow-up. Functional scores were excellent overall. Excellent results are testified by a final achievement of 22 patients going back to pre-injury sport activity, which is in keeping with the literature. Our experience exhibited a low complication rate and no metalwork failure. We correlate our results to the use of the Over the Top technique with lateral extra-articular tenodesis. CONCLUSION: The studied procedure seems to be an excellent option and an effective, feasible and safe technique when treating ruptured ACLs in skeletally immature patients.

Biophysical stimulation of bone and cartilage: state of the art and future perspectives.

INTRODUCTION: Biophysical stimulation is a non-invasive therapy used in orthopaedic practice to increase and enhance reparative and anabolic activities of tissue. METHODS: A sistematic web-based search for papers was conducted using the following titles: (1) pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), capacitively coupled electrical field (CCEF), low intensity pulsed ultrasound system (LIPUS) and biophysical stimulation; (2) bone cells, bone tissue, fracture, non-union, prosthesis and vertebral fracture; and (3) chondrocyte, synoviocytes, joint chondroprotection, arthroscopy and knee arthroplasty. RESULTS: Pre-clinical studies have shown that the site of interaction of biophysical stimuli is the cell membrane. Its effect on bone tissue is to increase proliferation, synthesis and release of growth factors. On articular cells, it creates a strong A2A and A3 adenosine-agonist effect inducing an anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective result. In treated animals, it has been shown that the mineralisation rate of newly formed bone is almost doubled, the progression of the osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration is inhibited and quality of cartilage is preserved. Biophysical stimulation has been used in the clinical setting to promote the healing of fractures and non-unions. It has been successfully used on joint pathologies for its beneficial effect on improving function in early OA and after knee surgery to limit the inflammation of periarticular tissues. DISCUSSION: The pooled result of the studies in this review revealed the efficacy of biophysical stimulation for bone healing and joint chondroprotection based on proven methodological quality. CONCLUSION: The orthopaedic community has played a central role in the development and understanding of the importance of the physical stimuli. Biophysical stimulation requires care and precision in use if it is to ensure the success expected of it by physicians and patients.

A new classification for proximal femur bone defects in conservative hip arthroplasty revisions.

INTRODUCTION: In last three decades, total hip replacement in young patients became an habitual procedure. Principles of bone preservation are pushing many surgeons to implant conservative femoral components in patient younger than 65 years. Despite an overall good survivorship and clinical outcomes of conservative implants, failed cases are reported and the need to revise a conservative femoral component became an occasional procedure (with high prevalence of failed resurfacing implants). METHODS: During conservative femoral component revisions, we analyzed proximal bone stock preservation, considering the type of original component removed, aetiology of failure, timing of revision, and femoral explantation technique. RESULTS: We identified four patterns of proximal femoral changes (types I-IV). We suggest, for each of them, a revision strategy directed toward a "conservative revision procedure" using conservative or primary component. Out of our 21 cases, none underwent further revision due to mechanical failure (follow-up ranging from 6 to 152 months, mean 54 months). We had two cases of re-operation: one for early septic loosening and one for prosthetic modular neck fracture. CONCLUSIONS: If literature offers well-established guidelines to femoral revision of conventional stems, there is, on the other hand, a lack of data about revision strategies in presence of failed conservative implants. Although the mean follow-up of our procedures is still too short (4.5 years) to give final conclusions, we would leave a message: a conservative hip arthroplasty is not a "one time" opportunity for young and active people. A "conservative revision" is a valid option for at least a part of them, when an early failure of primary procedure occurred.

Fourteen-year experience with short cemented stems in total hip replacement.

PURPOSE: The age of the population requiring total hip replacement (THR) is increasing and this may lead to a return of cemented stems. Advantages of a short cemented femoral device include preservation of metaphyseal bone, easier insertion, and easier cement removal in case of revision. The purpose of this study is to describe the rationale and assess midterm results of unique innovative short cemented double-tapered polished stem applied with contemporary cementing techniques. METHODS: Our experience with this short cemented stem includes two different groups of elderly patients. Group 1 (prototype version of the short stem) from January 2005 to January 2008 counts 43 THR. Group 2 (final commercial version of the short stem) from January 2013 to January 2015 counts 54 THR. The average age in groups 1 and 2 was 79 and 75 respectively. Patients underwent clinical follow-up with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and completed radiographic evaluation. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients of group 1 had died for reasons unrelated to their THR. The surviving 9 hips have a follow-up of 11.2 years. In group 2, eight  patients died for reasons unrelated to their THR. Follow-up for the surviving 40 patients is 4.6 years. HHS improved in both groups. In 34/43 hips of group 1 and in 41/54 of group 2 we observed a Barrack grade A cement mantle. Survival with revision of the stem for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the effectiveness of a short, polished, collarless, tapered cemented stem implanted with contemporary cementing techniques which appears as successful as the standard sized components.

A new classification for proximal femur bone defects in conservative hip arthroplasty revisions.

INTRODUCTION: In the last three decades, total hip replacement in young patient became a habitual procedure. Principles of bone preservation are pushing many surgeons to implant conservative femoral components in patient younger than 65 years. Despite an overall good survivorship and clinical outcomes of conservative implants, failed cases are reported and the need to revise a conservative femoral component became an occasional procedure (with high prevalence of failed resurfacing implants). METHODS: During conservative femoral component revisions, we analyzed proximal bone stock preservation, considering the type of original component removed, etiology of failure, timing of revision, and femoral explantation technique. RESULTS: We identified four patterns of proximal femoral changes (types I-IV). We suggest, for each of them, a revision strategy directed toward a "conservative revision procedure" using conservative or primary component. Out of our 21 cases, none underwent further revision due to mechanical failure (follow-up ranging from 6 to 152 months, mean 54 months). We had two case of re-operation: one for early septic loosening and one for prosthetic modular neck fracture. CONCLUSIONS: If literature offers well-established guidelines to femoral revision of conventional stems, there is, on the other hand, a lack of data about revision strategies in presence of failed conservative implants. Although the mean follow-up of our procedures is still too short (4.5 years) to give final conclusions, we would leave a message: a conservative hip arthroplasty is not a "one-time" opportunity for young and active people. A "conservative revision" is a valid option for at least a part of them, when an early failure of primary procedure occurred.

Can Clinical and Surgical Parameters Be Combined to Predict How Long It Will Take a Tibia Fracture to Heal? A Prospective Multicentre Observational Study: The FRACTING Study.

BACKGROUND: Healing of tibia fractures occurs over a wide time range of months, with a number of risk factors contributing to prolonged healing. In this prospective, multicentre, observational study, we investigated the capability of FRACTING (tibia FRACTure prediction healING days) score, calculated soon after tibia fracture treatment, to predict healing time. METHODS: The study included 363 patients. Information on patient health, fracture morphology, and surgical treatment adopted were combined to calculate the FRACTING score. Fractures were considered healed when the patient was able to fully weight-bear without pain. RESULTS: 319 fractures (88%) healed within 12 months from treatment. Forty-four fractures healed after 12 months or underwent a second surgery. FRACTING score positively correlated with days to healing: r = 0.63 (p < 0.0001). Average score value was 7.3 ± 2.5; ROC analysis showed strong reliability of the score in separating patients healing before versus after 6 months: AUC = 0.823. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the FRACTING score can be employed both to predict months needed for fracture healing and to identify immediately after treatment patients at risk of prolonged healing. In patients with high score values, new pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments to enhance osteogenesis could be tested selectively, which may finally result in reduced disability time and health cost savings.

Total hip arthroplasty instability in Italy.

Hip dislocation is a major and common complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA), which appears with an incidence between 0.3% and 10% in primary total hip arthroplasties and up to 28% in revision THA. The hip dislocations can be classified into three groups: early, intermediate and late. Approximately two-thirds of cases can be treated successfully with a non-operative approach. The rest require further surgical intervention. The prerequisite to developing an appropriate treatment strategy is a thorough evaluation to identify the causes of the dislocation. In addition, many factors that contribute to THA dislocation are related to the surgical technique, mainly including component orientation, femoral head diameter, restoration of femoral offset and leg length, cam impingement and condition of the soft tissues. The diagnosis of a dislocated hip is relatively easy because the clinical situation is very typical. Having identified a dislocated hip, the first step is to perform a closed reduction of the implant. After reduction you must perform a computed tomography scan to evaluate the surgical options for treatment of recurrent dislocation that include: revision arthroplasty, modular components exchange, dual-mobility cups, large femoral heads, constrained cups, elimination of impingement and soft tissue procedures. The objective is to avoid further dislocation, a devastating event which is increasing the number of operations on the hip. To obtain this goal is useful to follow an algorithm of treatment, but the best treatment remains prevention.

Modular titanium alloy neck failure in total hip replacement: analysis of a relapse case.

Modular neck hip prosthesis born in the 1990 with the aim of allowing the surgeon to modify CCD angle, offset and femoral anteversion intra-operatively restoring patient's original biomechanics. In order to achieve the best biomechanics of the reconstructed hip, preoperative planning is essential. In the last few years modularity has been questioned and an argument made for the return to mono block stems due to events of breakage or disconnection of modular components. Fretting or crevice corrosion may lead to failure of such modular device due to the contamination inside the modular coupling or to high loads. We present a case of repetitive modular femoral neck prosthesis fracture.