Management of anterior cruciate ligament revision in adults: the 2022 ESSKA consensus part III-indications for different clinical scenarios using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method.

PURPOSE: The aim of the ESSKA 2022 consensus Part III was to develop patient-focused, contemporary, evidence-based, guidelines on the indications for revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery (ACLRev). METHODS: The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method (RAM) was used to provide recommendations on the appropriateness of surgical treatment versus conservative treatment in different clinical scenarios based on current scientific evidence in conjunction with expert opinion. A core panel defined the clinical scenarios with a moderator and then guided a panel of 17 voting experts through the RAM tasks. Through a two-step voting process, the panel established a consensus as to the appropriateness of ACLRev for each scenario based on a nine-point Likert scale (in which a score in the range 1-3 was considered 'inappropriate', 4-6 'uncertain', and 7-9 'appropriate'). RESULTS: The criteria used to define the scenarios were: age (18-35 years vs 36-50 years vs 51-60 years), sports activity and expectation (Tegner 0-3 vs 4-6 vs 7-10), instability symptoms (yes vs no), meniscus status (functional vs repairable vs non-functional meniscus), and osteoarthritis (OA) (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grade 0-I-II vs grade III). Based on these variables, a set of 108 clinical scenarios was developed. ACLRev was considered appropriate in 58%, inappropriate in 12% (meaning conservative treatment is indicated), and uncertain in 30%. Experts considered ACLRev appropriate for patients with instability symptoms, aged ≤ 50 years, regardless of sports activity level, meniscus status, and OA grade. Results were much more controversial in patients without instability symptoms, while higher inappropriateness was related to scenarios with older age (51-60 years), low sporting expectation, non-functional meniscus, and knee OA (KL III). CONCLUSION: This expert consensus establishes guidelines as to the appropriateness of ACLRev based on defined criteria and provides a useful reference for clinical practice in determining treatment indications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Lateral augmentation procedures in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. How to avoid tunnel collision with intraoperative tunnel visualization: A technical note.

Lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) or anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction can be used as an augmentation procedure in anatomic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and are thought to minimize rotational instability, lower re-rupture rates of the ACL graft and improve functional outcomes after surgery. Young patients with high-grade pivot shift or generalized laxity participating in high demand/pivoting sports are considered as the ideal candidates for such a procedure. Both in LET and in ALL reconstruction, femoral fixation of the graft using an interference screw remains a challenge due to the possibility of tunnel convergence of the two tunnels created in the femur, namely the ACL femoral tunnel and the tunnel created in the lateral femur for the LET or ALL procedure. With this technical note, we aim to describe a safe approach for femoral tunnel creation by providing the surgeon not only with instructions for a safe orientation but also with the possibility to check for a possible tunnel collision by using the arthroscope through the anteromedial portal. Although instructions can be used both for LET and ALL reconstruction (same femoral tunnel), a modified Lemaire LET is extensively described since this procedure is the authors' preference for augmenting anatomic ACL reconstruction.

Postoperative Infection after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Prevention and Management.

Infection following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction can be one of the most debilitating complications following ACL reconstruction. Its reported incidence is around 1%. Utilization of vancomycin for presoaking the graft is considered an established method for infection prevention. The role of other agents, such as gentamycin needs further investigation. Staphylococci are the predominant causative pathogens, while particular attention should be paid to fungal infections due to their long-standing, occult process. Recent data demonstrate that hamstrings autograft may be at an elevated risk of being contaminated leading to subsequent septic arthritis. Diagnosis is set by clinical and laboratory findings and is usually confirmed by intraoperative cultures. Treatment varies, mainly depending on the intraoperative assessment. Satisfactory outcomes have been reported with both graft retaining and removal, and the decision is made upon the arthroscopic appearance of the graft and the characteristics of the infection. Of note, early management seems to lead to superior results, while persistent infection should be managed with graft removal in an attempt to protect the articular cartilage and the knee function.

The aspiration test reveals an instability of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus in almost one-third of ACL-injured patients.

PURPOSE: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries often lead to associated injuries of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus (PHLM). Arthroscopic, assessment of PHLM instability may be difficult in the absence of a visible meniscus damage. The main objective of this prospective multi-center study was to compare the ability of the probing and aspiration tests to identify PHLM instability in a population of patients undergoing ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and a control group of patients with an intact ACL undergoing knee arthroscopy. METHODS: A prospective case-control analysis was performed in three sports medicine centers. One-hundred and three consecutive patients operated for a primary isolated ACLR without structural lateral meniscus damage other than a root tear were included. They were compared to a control group of 29 consecutive patients who had a knee arthroscopy with an intact ACL and no structural lateral meniscus lesion. The probing and aspiration tests were consecutively executed according to previously published methods. RESULTS: In the control group, no lateral meniscus lesions were visualized during arthroscopy, and both probing and aspiration tests were negative in all patients. In the group of ACL-injured patients, a Forkel type I-III posterolateral meniscus root tear (PLMRT) was found in 12 patients (12%). In this subgroup, the probing test was positive in 4/12 patients (33%) and the aspiration test in 5 additional patients (75%). In 15 patients (15%), an elongation of the posterior root of the lateral meniscus (defined as type IV PLMRT as an addendum to the Forkel classification) could be observed during arthroscopy. In this subgroup, only 1 patient displayed a PHLM instability with the probing test (7%), whereas the aspiration test was positive in 13/15 patients (87%). In the remaining 76 patients (74%), no structural lesion of the PHLM could be identified. Nevertheless, an instability of the PHLM could be identified in 8 of them (11%) with the probing test, and the aspiration test was positive in 2 additional knees (13%) of this apparently normal subgroup. Altogether, in the entire ACL injury cohort, a positive probing test was observed in 13/103 patients (13%) and a positive aspiration test in 32/103 knees (31%) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Careful observation and examination of the PHLM with the aspiration test revealed a substantial amount of previously undiagnosed lateral meniscus instabilities in ACL-injured knees. The prevalence of PHLM instability as evaluated by the aspiration test was high (31%). The aspiration test was superior to the probing test in detecting an instability of the PHLM in a population of ACL-injured patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Management strategies for prosthetic joint infection: long-term infection control rates, overall survival rates, functional and quality of life outcomes.

DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention), one-stage and two-stage revision surgery are the most common management strategies for prosthetic joint infection (PJI) management. Our knowledge concerning their efficacy is based on short to medium-term low-quality studies.Most studies report infection recurrence rates or infection-free time intervals. However, long-term survival rates of the infection-free joints, functional and quality of life outcome data are of paramount importance.DAIR, one-stage and two-stage revision strategies are not unique surgical techniques, presenting several variables. Infection control rates for the above strategies vary from 75% to 90%, but comparisons are difficult because different indications and patient selection criteria are used in each strategy.Recent outcome data show that DAIR and one-stage revision in selected patients (based on host, bacteriological, soft tissue and type of infection criteria) may present improved functional and quality of life outcomes and reduced costs for health systems as compared to those of two-stage revision.It is expected that health system administrators and providers will apply pressure on surgeons and departments towards the wider use of DAIR and one-stage revision strategies. It is the orthopaedic surgeon's responsibility to conduct quality studies in order to fully clarify the indications and outcomes of the different revision strategies. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:727-734. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210008.

A Challenging Case of Extraordinary - Long standing Forearm Non-union Treated with Extensive Debridement, Locking Plates, and Bone Grafting. Technical Considerations in Multiple-operated, Neglected Non-unions.

INTRODUCTION: Forearm non-unions pose a significant treatment challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Repetitive treatment failures can lead to a devastating situation for the patient. Forearm function influences both elbow and wrist proper function. CASE REPORT: A functionless hand is presented, describing a longstanding non-union, treated with multiple surgeries before. A thorough debridement with respect to blood supply and local biology are of major importance before applying the locking plates along with the use of bone-graft. The reconstruction of the forearm converted a functionless arm to a fully functioning arm and the patient returned eventually to her previous activities. CONCLUSION: Fixation with locking plates combined with the use of autograft can lead to very satisfactory results even in extraordinary cases, especially when attention is paid to local anatomy and blood supply.

Comparison of Minimally Invasive Operative Treatment with Conservative Treatment for Acute, Minimally Displaced Scaphoid Fractures at 12 Months' Follow-up.

Background Minimally displaced scaphoid fractures can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Cannulated scaphoid screws have made percutaneous stabilization highly effective. Questions Would minimally invasive operative treatment of minimally displaced scaphoid fractures yield faster return to work when compared with patients treated conservatively? How do functional and patient satisfaction scores compare between the two groups at 12-months follow-up? Patients and Methods Records from 18 patients (mean age 28.6 years) treated surgically were retrospectively reviewed and compared with a group of 10 patients (mean age 33.3 years, p = 0.74) treated nonoperatively. Inclusion criteria were a minimum follow-up period of 12 months and radiographic union. Time to return to work was compared between groups. At 12 months' follow-up, wrist range of motion (ROM) and grip strength were compared, as well as pain, satisfaction, and overall wrist function were evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Mayo modified wrist score (MMWS). Results The mean time to return to work for the operated group was 39.75 days, while for the nonoperated group it was 88.14 days ( p = 0.002). At the 12 months' follow-up, mean ROM, grip strength, and VAS score did not differ between groups. The mean MMWS was 98.75 for the operated group and 87.5 for the nonoperated group, indicating a better result in patients treated operatively ( p = 0.03). In addition, two failures of instrumentation were recorded, a seldom seen complication. Conclusion Percutaneous fixation of minimally displaced scaphoid fractures allows faster return to work and leaves patients more satisfied with their wrist function compared with plaster immobilization at 12 months' follow-up. Level of evidence This is a Level III, retrospective, case-control study.

Direct medical costs of interprosthetic femoral fracture treatment: A cohort analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFs) represent a challenging clinical problem with a fast-rising incidence. Interprosthetic fractures (IPFs) represent one of its most difficult variants. There is a paucity of data regarding the financial burden of PPFs, and none for IPFs. This study aims to estimate the direct medical cost of the surgical treatment of IPFs in NHS, and analyse the factors influencing this when using different methods of surgical treatment. METHODS: A cohort of patients with IPFs treated in a single academic unit over a period of 8-years with different surgical methods was studied. In-hospital details, as well as outpatient follow-up data, were gathered relevant to their clinical and radiological outcome until discharge. Local and national NHS data were acquired from the financial department, as well as industry-related resources. The economic analysis was structured as a cost identification analysis (CIA) of the overall cohort, but also as a comparative best-case scenario (uncomplicated course till discharge) comparison between the 3 main different management strategies (a) revision arthroplasty (RTHA), b) plate fixation (ORIF), c) combination of implants (COMBO). RESULTS: Data from 28 patients (22 females) with IPFs were analysed with a median age of 78.4 years. The overall direct medical cost of treating this cohort of patients was £468,330, with a median of £15.625 (range £10,128 to 33,060). Comparing the three different surgical modalities, the median cost in groups a, b, and c was £20,793 (range £12,110 to £24,116), £12,979 (range £10,128 to £20,555), and £22,316 (range £10,938 to £23,081) respectively. In all groups, the 2/3 of the identified costs were relevant to the inpatient stay. Transfusions were the highest (3 units of cRBC on average) to the patients that received a revision THA vs the other two groups (p=0.022). There was statistically significant higher mean overall cost between the RTHA and the ORIF groups (£19,453 vs. £14,201, p=0.0242), but not when compared with the COMBO cases (£19,453 vs. £18,788, p=0.86). CONCLUSION: The first cost identification study and "best case scenario" comparative analysis for IPFs demonstrated a significant overall direct medical cost, when managing these complex fractures with variable contemporary techniques. Evidence based reimbursement strategies should be developed to allow the sustainability of the clinical service we offer in this challenging patient population.

Evaluating the "Patella-Friendly" Concept in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Minimum 15-Year Follow-Up Outcome Study Comparing Constant Radius, Multiradius Cruciate-Retaining, and Nonanatomical Cruciate-Retaining Implants.

BACKGROUND: Patella-friendly femoral components were developed in order to reduce anterior knee pain and patellofemoral complications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), but their effect on long-term outcome is still unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated prospectively collected data from 3 groups consisting of 100 patients (100 knees in each). In group A, the constant radius a-MP, in group B the multiradius cruciate-retaining Genesis II, and in group C the nonanatomic, multiradius, cruciate-retaining AGC TKA was implanted. Patients of all groups were matched for age, gender, side, body mass index, and length of follow-up. Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome data in the form of Knee Society System (KSS), Short Form-12, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, and Oxford Knee Score were available at regular intervals for groups A and B. For patients of group C, KSS score data were available at the same time intervals. In all groups, the patellofemoral compartment was assessed using the Clinical Patella Score scale. Anterior knee pain, secondary patella resurfacing, implant failure, and radiological outcome were assessed in patients of all groups. RESULTS: At 10-year and 15-year follow-up, patients of group A showed statistically significant (s.s.) higher (all P = .000) KSS values as compared to those of groups B and C. At 15-year follow-up, patients of group B showed s.s. higher (P = .001) KSS values as compared to those of group C. At 10-year and 15-year follow up, patients of group A showed s.s. higher (all P = .00) Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index and Oxford Knee Score values as compared to those of group B. At 15-year follow-up only, patients of group A showed s.s. higher (P = .00) Short Form-12 (physical) values as compared to those of group B. In terms of Clinical Patella Score, patients in group A had s.s. higher values (P = .05) when compared to those of groups B and C. Anterior knee pain was recorded in 4.4% of TKAs in group A, 7.5% in group B, and 17.2% in group C. One (1.1%) patient in group A, 3 (3.25%) in group B, and 7 (8%) in group C underwent secondary resurfacing. CONCLUSION: Anatomical, patella-friendly, constant radius femoral components outperform others in reducing anterior knee pain and patella complications in TKA in which the patellae are left nonresurfaced.

Transfusion Rates in Total Hip Arthroplasty Are lower in Patients with Direct Anterior Approach.

BACKGROUND: Blood conservation and reduction in the need for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) has been a subject of importance in total hip arthroplasty. There are a number of well-recognized parameters that influence blood loss during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The role of surgical approach on blood loss and the rate of ABT during THA is not well studied. The hypothesis of this study was that blood loss and the need for ABT is lower with direct anterior (DA) approach. METHODS: In a case-control retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 1,524 primary THAs performed at a single institution by seven fellowship-trained surgeons between January 2015 to March 2017. All patients received THA using either the modified direct lateral (DL) or direct anterior (DA) approach using a standard operating table. The overall ABT rate was 10.2% (155/1,524) in the cohort. Demographic, surgical, and postoperative data were extracted and analyzed. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for transfusion. RESULTS: Higher preoperative hemoglobin (p<0.001), use of DA approach (p<0.016) and administration of tranexamic acid TXA, (p=0.024) were identified as independent factors which reduced the odds of ABT. Operative time (p<0.001) was associated with an increased odd of ABT, while age, BMI and type of anesthesia were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of this study, direct anterior approach for THA appears to be protective against blood loss and reduced ABT rate, when controlling for confounding variables.

Soaking of autografts with vancomycin is highly effective on preventing postoperative septic arthritis in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction with hamstrings autografts.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of local soaking of the autografts with vancomycin during anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction on postoperative infection rates. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2014 (first study period), 1,242 patients underwent ACL reconstruction using autografts, without soaking them in vancomycin solution, while between 2014 and 2019 (second study period) all ACL autografts in 593 patients were soaked in a 5-mg/ml vancomycin solution, in a territory University Hospital. The same standard treatment of perioperative IV antibiotics was applied in both groups. RESULTS: Postoperative septic arthritis occurred in seven out of 1,242 patients (0.56%) during the first study period. Bone patellar tendon bone autograft was used in 311 (25%) patients, and hamstring tendon autograft was used in the rest 931 (75%) of the study population during this period. All infected cases were male and had a hamstrings graft implanted. There were no postoperative infections (0%) in 593 ACL reconstructions during the second study period. Bone patellar tendon bone autograft was used in 178 (30%) patients while hamstring tendon autograft was used in the rest 415 (70%) of the study population, during this period. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly reduced postoperative infection rate (p = 0.018) between the two reported periods, with the main impact referring to the use of hamstrings autograft (p = 0.031) for the first study period. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis following ACL reconstruction can be significantly reduced (or even eliminated) by soaking ACL autografts in a 5 mg/ml vancomycin solution. Of note, this strategy seems to be more effective in the setting of hamstring tendon autograft use, since the risk of postoperative knee infection is significantly higher when this type of graft is used.

Do trabecular metal and cancellous titanium implants reduce the risk of late haematogenous infection? An experimental study in rabbits.

AIM: This study evaluated the late resistance to haematogenous contamination by microbial pathogens of implants and bone-implant interface and the development of late clinical infection when cementless components with different surface or structural properties are implanted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 50 adult male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into 5 groups of 10 animals each. In Group A smooth titanium, in Group B grit blasted titanium, in Group C HA-coated titanium, in Group D trabecular metal and in group E cancellous titanium rods were implanted in the right proximal tibia. Four weeks later, 1 ml of inoculum of a standardised CA-MRSA strain (3 × 108 cfu/ml) was injected through a femoral artery catheter (groups B, C, D, E) while in group A, 1 ml of sterile saline was injected in a similar way (control group). Subjects were killed 8 weeks after the initial procedure and 3 samples of each tibial specimen were subjected to conventional cultures and PCR studies. RESULTS: The number of the specimens (conventional cultures and PCR studies) contaminated by the standardized pathogen was as follows: Group A: 0/10, Group B: 7/10, Group C: 6/10, Group D; 5/10 and Group E: 5/10. Comparing the number of colony form units isolated from the implant samples, Group B (GB titanium) showed statistically significantly higher values (Mann-Whitney test) compared to Group C (p = 0.044), Group D (p = 0.040) and Group E (p = 0.038). Local active infection was observed in 6 animals: 3 in Group B; 1 in Group C, 1 in Group D, and 1 in Group E. CONCLUSIONS: Modern cementless implants (trabecular metal and cancellous titanium) showed a lower risk of implant contamination and late clinical haematogenous infection.

Prior Femoroacetabular Osteoplasty Does Not Compromise the Clinical Outcome of Subsequent Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is the most effective treatment option for patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis after a prior femoroacetabular osteoplasty (FAO). This study evaluated clinical outcomes of THA after a prior FAO and compared the results with a matched group of patients who underwent THA with no prior surgical procedures in the affected hip. METHODS: By reviewing our prospectively maintained database, we identified 74 hips (69 patients) that underwent THA after previous FAO between 2004 and 2017. They were matched 1:3 to a control group of primary THA with no history of any procedures on the same hip based on age, sex, body mass index, date of surgery, Charlson comorbidity index, surgical approach, and acetabular and femoral component type. At minimum 2-year follow-up, modified Harris Hip Score, 90-day readmission, and revision THA for any reason were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The median time interval between FAO and subsequent THA was 1.64 years. There was no significant difference in preoperative Harris Hip Score between patients in the case and control cohorts. At the latest follow-up, the median modified Harris Hip Score was 77.6 in the case group and 96.2 in the control, and the difference was not statistically significant. None of the patients in the case group developed infection. 7 patients in the case group required additional procedures at any point, compared with 15 in the control. CONCLUSION: THA after prior FAO has similar outcomes to primary THA in patients with no prior procedures in the affected hip. THA can be performed safely with excellent outcome in patients with a history of FAO.

Individualized surgery in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a satisfactory procedure for end-stage knee joint pathology. However, there is a significant incidence of unsatisfied patients.In recent years conventional total knee arthroplasty surgical technique has been challenged and a modern trend to respect individual anatomy, alignment and soft tissue laxities has been developed.The indications, limits and outcomes of these modern techniques in selected patients are not well-defined.Modern technology (navigation, patient-specific instrumentation and robotics) has improved accuracy of the osteotomies but their effect on long-term outcomes is still unclear.A technique which respects individual anatomy, laxities and alignment in combination with an implant which is designed to incorporate contemporary knee kinematics, without the use of modern technology, is presented. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:663-671. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190085.

Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Patients Who Have Multiple Prostheses in Place: What Should Be Done with the Silent Prosthetic Joints.

BACKGROUND: Although periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can affect multiple joints concurrently, the majority of patients with multiple prosthetic joints present with PJI of a single joint. Data regarding the optimal management of these patients are limited. We aimed to identify the prevalence, risk factors for a subsequent PJI, and clinical circumstances of PJI in patients with multiple prosthetic joints. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 197 patients with ≥2 total joint prostheses in place who presented with PJI from 2000 to 2017. The average follow-up was 3.6 years (range, 0.5 to 17 years). Demographic data and risk factors for synchronous or metachronous PJI were identified. The time from the initial to the second PJI and organism profile data were collected as well. The workup for other joints with a prosthesis in place at the time of the initial PJI was noted. RESULTS: Among the 197 patients with PJI and multiple joint prostheses in situ, 37 (19%) developed PJI in another joint; 11 had a synchronous PJI and 26 had a metachronous PJI. The average time between the first and the second infection in the metachronous cases was 848 days (range, 20 to 3,656 days). Females and patients with an initial PJI with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were more likely to have a metachronous PJI, and patients with rheumatoid arthritis had an increased risk of a second (metachronous or synchronous) PJI. Three of 11 patients in the synchronous group and 19% (5) of the 26 in the metachronous group had bacteremia at the time of the initial PJI compared with 12% (19) of the 160 with a single PJI. The percentage of negative cultures increased from 10% for the initial PJIs to 38% for the metachronous PJIs. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have multiple prosthetic joints in place and present with PJI of a single joint are at risk of developing PJI in another joint. Female sex, rheumatoid arthritis, bacteremia at presentation, and infection with MRSA appear to be risk factors for PJI of another joint. Clinical evaluation of the other prosthetic joint(s) should be carried out in all patients and aspiration of those joint(s) should be considered for patients with any of the above risk factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia periprosthetic joint infection after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a well-known opportunistic Gram-negative bacterium causing mainly hospital-acquired infections, which rarely affects the musculoskeletal system. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a periprosthetic infection caused by this pathogen in an artificial joint. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia has the ability to form biofilm, and subsequently should not be excluded in the investigation of prosthetic joint infections. Management in the establishment of such an infection demands aggressive operative treatment in conjunction with the proper antibacterial administration.

Inadvertent direct pulmonary artery catheterization complicating the effort for subclavian venous cannulation and central venous catheter placement: A case report and review of the literature.

Subclavian access is commonly used in the intensive care unit (ICU) for central venous catheterization. Many complications have been reported during the placement of central venous catheters including pneumothorax, hemothorax, hematoma, and bleeding. The direct, through the thoracic wall, catheterization of pulmonary artery is a very rare one with only three previous reports in the literature. We report a patient who was catheterized for subclavian venous catheter placement, but the imaging techniques (chest X-ray and computed tomography with reconstruction of the images) revealed the direct positioning of the catheter into the pulmonary trunk, fortunately without other adverse events for the patient. Our case report in accordance with recent review of the literature strongly emphasizes the benefits of performing ultrasound-guided interventions in ICU.

Total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoporosis.

There is a high prevalence of osteoporosis in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. There are several clinically relevant questions related to the management of such cases: the effect of ageing; the initial osseointegration of implants, especially when cementless THA is used; the effect of medical osteoporosis treatment on bone-implant interface; the incidence of intraoperative and late periprosthetic fractures, and the long-term survival of both cemented and cementless total hip arthroplasty performed for proximal femoral fractures and hip osteoarthritis. A critical review of the literature is presented in an attempt to draw practical conclusions.

Dissociation of Modular Total Hip Arthroplasty at the Neck-stem Interface: A Unique but Possible Complication.

 Mechanical failure of total hip arthroplasty (THA) is often related to dislocation of the hip. In hip arthroplasty with a dual-modularity prosthesis, the surgeon has to face the unique disadvantage of the dissociation of its components. Most cases reported are related to the dissociation of the neck-head interface and only an extremely small percentage is due to dissociation at the neck-stem interface. We report a case with dissociation at the neck-stem interface generated by a fall. Possible reasons for dissociation of the modular system are presented. An open reduction using the same neck system was performed. We suggest that surgeons should be aware of this particular problem, which is related to the nature of the system.