Molecular Mechanisms Related to Burns, Burn Wound Healing and Scarring.

The process of burn injury is multifaceted and involves a whole spectrum of inflammatory responses that can have significant implications for burn patients, including local, regional, and systemic effects [...].

The impact of resveratrol on skin wound healing, scarring, and aging.

Resveratrol is a well-known antioxidant that harbours many health beneficial properties. Multiple studies associated the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cell protective effects of resveratrol. These diverse effects of resveratrol are also potentially involved in cutaneous wound healing, scarring, and (photo-)aging of the skin. Hence, this review highlighted the most relevant studies involving resveratrol in wound healing, scarring, and photo-aging of the skin. A systematic review was performed and the database PubMed was searched for suitable publications. Only original articles in English that investigated the effects of resveratrol in wound healing, scarring, and (photo-)aging of the skin were analysed. The literature search yielded a total of 826 studies, but only 41 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies showed promising results that resveratrol might be a feasible treatment approach to support wound healing, counteract excessive scarring, and even prevent photo-aging of the skin. Resveratrol represents an interesting and promising novel therapy regime but to confirm resveratrol-associated effects, more evidence based in vitro and in vivo studies are needed.

Resveratrol-Induced Signal Transduction in Wound Healing.

Resveratrol is a well-known polyphenol that harbors various health benefits. Besides its well-known anti-oxidative potential, resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, and cell-protective effects. It seems to be a promising adjuvant for various medical indications, such as cancer, vascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, resveratrol was shown to display beneficial effects on the human skin. The polyphenol is discussed to be a feasible treatment approach to accelerate wound healing and prevent the development of chronic wounds without the drawback of systemic side effects. Despite resveratrol's increasing popularity, its molecular mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. To take full advantage of resveratrol's therapeutic potential, a profound knowledge of its interactions with its targets is needed. Therefore, this review highlights the resveratrol-induced molecular pathways with particular focus on the most relevant variables in wound healing, namely inflammation, oxidative stress, autophagy, collagen proliferation and angiogenesis.

Modeling Wound Chronicity In Vivo: The Translational Challenge to Capture the Complexity of Chronic Wounds.

In an aging society with common lifestyle-associated health issues such as obesity and diabetes, chronic wounds pose a frequent challenge that physicians face in everyday clinical practice. Therefore, nonhealing wounds have attracted much scientific attention. Several in vitro and in vivo models have been introduced to deepen our understanding of chronic wound pathogenesis and amplify therapeutic strategies. Understanding how wounds become chronic will provide insights to reverse or avoid chronicity. Although choosing a suitable model is of utmost importance to receive valuable outcomes, an ideal in vivo model capturing the complexity of chronic wounds is still missing and remains a translational challenge. This review discusses the most relevant mammalian models for wound healing studies and provides guidance on how to implement the hallmarks of chronic wounds. It highlights the benefits and pitfalls of established models and maps out future avenues for research.

Pedicled Rectus Femoris Flap for Restoration of Suprapatellar Quadriceps Tendon and Defect Coverage after Multiple Reconstruction Attempts-A Case Report and Literature Review.

There is no unified approach for restoring the suprapatellar quadriceps tendon and covering tissue defects simultaneously. In this case report, we present the pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap as one effective approach in two cases with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle-tendon structures after trauma-related suprapatellar quadriceps tendon rupture and multiple reconstruction attempts. Additionally, we provide a literature review of the reconstructive use of the functional pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. METHODS: Two male patients, 48 and 74 years old, with extensive loss or impairment of the suprapatellar muscle-tendon structures due to multiple reconstruction attempts, underwent restoration of the knee extension with a pedicled myocutaneous rectus femoris flap. RESULTS: Three months after reconstruction, both patients were able to walk freely, unaided. After a six-month follow-up, the free passive mobility of the knee joint was restored, and the active extension of the knee joint was possible in both patients. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that the pedicled rectus femoris flap is a reliable method for the restoration of knee extension, with excellent functional results in cases of suprapatellar tendon lesions. Further to the functional restoration, this technique has the additional advantage of simultaneously achieving coverage of soft-tissue defects, while a direct closure of the donor site is possible. Elderly patients and patients with relevant comorbidities or multiple revisions may especially benefit from this technique.

Kinematic Effects of Derotational Osteotomy of the Humerus in Patients with Internal Shoulder Contracture Secondary to Erb's Palsy-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Internal rotation contractures of the shoulder are common sequelae of conservatively treated obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) with incomplete spontaneous neurological recovery. Humerus derotation osteotomy has been suggested as a possible treatment option to improve arm positioning. However, consensus as to whether humerus derotation osteotomy can successfully restore limb function is missing. Methods: In the present controlled cohort study, we aimed at analyzing global upper extremity kinematics with a 3D-video analysis system in children with shoulder internal rotation contractures secondary to OBPP before, and one year after, humerus derotation osteotomy. Patients under 18 years of age that presented to our center with conservatively treated internal rotation contractures of the shoulder and subsequently underwent humerus derotation osteotomy were included. The unimpaired arm served as a respective control. Results: Pre-operatively, all patients showed severe internal rotation contractures of the shoulder of almost 60° at rest. At the follow-up, the position of the shoulder at rest was greatly shifted to 9° of internal rotation. The patients showed statistically significant improvement in maximum external rotation and abduction of the shoulder, as well as in maximum flexion of the elbow, and the range of motion of pro/supination. The maximum internal rotation of the shoulder, however, was diminished after the osteotomy. Conclusions: Our data indicated that derotational osteotomy is a promising procedure which can be used to correct for internal rotation contractures secondary to OBPP. Moreover, 3D-video analysis proved to be a useful tool that supplies the surgeon with both precise information about the degree of distortion pre-operatively, thus helping to decide on the amount of correction, and secondly, a measurement of the post-operative gain in upper extremity function.

Ceramic Dressings-A New Non-Pharmacological Therapeutic Option in the Management of Chronic Wounds?

A new ceramic dressing, free from active antimicrobial or pharmaceutical agents, uses physical binding mechanisms for its absorption capacities and bacterial-binding properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wound healing, bacterial-related retention, and diagnostic properties of ceramic dressings in patients with stagnated chronic wounds. METHODS: In this monocentric, intra-individually controlled, prospective study, patients with conservatively treated refractory chronic wounds were enrolled. One week before the start of the application with ceramic dressing, it was ensured during a screening phase that chronic wounds showed less than a 10% reduction in wound size. During the 4-week ceramic dressing treatment wound size measurements, wound scoring, measurement of wound exudate amount, wound swabs, and ceramic dressing sonication (low-intensity ultrasound) were carried out. The sonication fluid of the removed ceramic dressing was used for analysis of bacterial retention and compared to wound swabs. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a mean age of 64.6 years (±26.2) and 21 chronic wounds were included in this study. After a 4-week treatment, a significant reduction of median wound size from 1178 mm2 (range 104-6300) to 751.5 mm2 (range 16-4819) and better total wound scores were observed (p < 0.001). The sensitivity of bacteria detection was 90.7% in the sonication fluid from the ceramic dressings, while only 76.9% in the conventional wound swabs. CONCLUSION: The new ceramic dressing seems to have a positive impact on wound healing in chronic wounds. Bacteria-binding characteristics of the investigated ceramic dressing, in combination with its debridement, absorption, and detoxification properties, could contribute to its healing abilities. Based on those results, the investigated ceramic dressing seems to be a promising new treatment option for chronic wounds without the use of any active antimicrobial or pharmacological agents. Moreover, ceramic dressings can also be considered for microbiological diagnostic purposes.

The Use of Fibrinolytic Agents in the Salvage of Free Flaps: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular thrombosis following free tissue transfer presents a complex challenge for surgeons and carries the potential risk of flap failure. The application of fibrinolytic agents represents a robust therapeutic option. The aim of this systematic review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical use of fibrinolytic drugs in the rescue of compromised free flaps. METHODS: A systematic literature search for clinical studies detailing the utilization of fibrinolytic agents for salvaging free flaps was conducted using the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The inclusion criteria encompassed English-language publications that specifically addressed the clinical application of fibrinolytic agents for free-flap salvage. RESULTS: A total of 331 articles were screened after excluding duplicates, with 56 meeting the inclusion criteria. Among these, 21 were clinical trials (evidence level III), and 35 were case studies (evidence level IV/V). In total, 459 flaps underwent treatment with fibrinolytic agents. CONCLUSION: The application of fibrinolytic agents appears to be a valuable intervention for rescuing compromised free flaps attributable to microvascular compromise. Notably, no prospective randomized trials have been published on this subject, and the evidence within the existing literature is characterized by its limited and heterogeneous nature. Further research is imperative to gather data on the efficacy, dosage, and safety profile of fibrinolytic agents.

Biomechanical Comparison of Three Modified Kessler Techniques for Flexor Tendon Repair: Implications in Surgical Practice and Early Active Mobilization.

Objective: Managing flexor tendon injuries surgically remains challenging due to the ongoing debate over the most effective suture technique and materials. An optimal repair must be technically feasible while providing enough strength to allow for early active mobilization during the post-operative phase. This study aimed to assess the biomechanical properties of three modified Kessler repair techniques using two different suture materials: a conventional two-strand and a modified four-strand Kirchmayr-Kessler repair using 3-0 Prolene® (2s-KK-P and 4s-KK-P respectively), and a four-strand Kessler-Tsuge repair using 4-0 FiberLoop® (4s-KT-FL). Methods: Human flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons were retrieved from Thiel-embalmed prosections. For each tendon, a full-thickness cross-sectional incision was created, and the ends were reattached using either a 2s-KK-P (n = 30), a 4s-KK-P (n = 30), or a 4s-KT-FL repair (n = 30). The repaired tendons were tested using either a quasi-static (n = 45) or cyclic testing protocol (n = 45). Maximum force (Fmax), 2 mm gap force (F2mm), and primary failure modes were recorded. Results: In both quasi-static and cyclic testing groups, tendons repaired using the 4s-KT-FL approach exhibited higher Fmax and F2mm values compared to the 2s-KK-P or 4s-KK-P repairs. Fmax was significantly higher with a 4s-KK-P versus 2s-KK-P repair, but there was no significant difference in F2mm. Suture pull-out was the main failure mode for the 4s-KT-FL repair, while suture breakage was the primary failure mode in 2s- and 4s-KK-P repairs. Conclusions: FDP tendons repaired using the 4s-KT-FL approach demonstrated superior biomechanical performance compared to 2s- and 4s-KK-P repairs, suggesting that the 4s-KT-FL tendon repair could potentially reduce the risk of gapping or re-rupture during early active mobilization.

Long-Term Functional Outcomes after Hand Burns: A Monocentric Controlled Cohort Study.

Background: Hand burns are involved in 80-90% of severe burn injuries. Even though hands correspond to a small total burn surface area (TBSA) of less than 5%, the loss of their functionality has a significant impact on the patient's life. Studies that provide long-term results regarding hand functionality after hand burns are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate functional long-term results in a patient-centric approach regarding burn depth, unilateral and bilateral hand involvement, and (non-)isolated hand burns as potential influencing factors in patients with hand burns. Methods: We conducted a controlled cohort study of patients with burned hands treated at our department between 2005 and 2022. Healthy age-, sex-, and handedness-matched participants were used as controls. Data on the demographics, burn-related injuries, and treatments were collected. For a patient-centric approach, we used the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (Quick-DASH) and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ) as patient-reported outcome measures for functional long-term evaluation, and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (patient scale) for assessing long-term scar quality. Results: We enrolled 61 patients with 88 affected hands and 63 matched control participants. Up to 77.1% of the participants were male, with a mean age of 50.7 (±15.5) years and a follow-up of 8.1 (±4.7) years. The mean TBSA was 13.9% (±15.8), with 72.4% of the hands presenting with deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns and most of the patients had only one hand affected (55.7%). The hand burn patients perceived significantly worse long-term functional scores in every domain of the MHQ as well as in the "overall function" and "work" of the Quick-DASH. Superficial hand burns negatively affected the two-handed activities of daily living (p = 0.013) and aesthetic appearance (p = 0.005) when both hands were involved. Isolated hand burns were associated with more difficulties in work performance (p = 0.03), whereas patients with bilateral hand involvement perceived more pain (p = 0.025). Conclusions: The patients with hand burns can achieve satisfactory long-term functional outcomes over time, but they do not reach the same long-term hand functionality as the healthy matched control group. Our study revealed that factors such as burn depth, unilateral or bilateral hand involvement, and (non-)isolated hand burns indeed have an impact on certain aspects of perceived long-term hand functionality.

Textured vs. Smooth Breast Implants Using the Jones Criteria-What Is the Currently Available Evidence for BIA-ALCL?: A Systematic Review.

Breast-Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare low-incidence type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, arising in the capsule around breast implants, and predominantly associated with the use of macro-textured breast implants. The purpose of this study was to use an evidence-based approach to systematically identify clinical studies comparing smooth and textured breast implants in women with regard to the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. METHODS: A literature search in PubMed in April 2023 and the article reference list of the French National Agency of Medicine and Health Products decision from 2019 were screened for applicable studies. Only clinical studies where the Jones surface classification could be applied (required information: breast implant manufacturer) for comparison of smooth and textured breast implants were considered. RESULTS: From a total of 224 studies, no articles were included due to the lack of fit to the strict inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the scanned and included literature, implant surface types in relation to the incidence of BIA-ALCL were not evaluated in clinical studies and data from evidence-based clinical sources plays a minor to no role in this context. An international database that combines breast implant-related data from (national, opt-out) medical device registries is, therefore, the best available option to obtain relevant long-term breast implant surveillance data on BIA-ALCL.

The Efficacy of Regeneration Oil and Almond Oil on Split-Thickness Skin Graft Donor Sites: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Essential oils are a complementary treatment and can play an important role in scar care. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of a new essential oil (regeneration oil) with a control group on scar quality in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center blinded randomized controlled study was performed on 30 patients with healed split-thickness skin graft donor site. The patients were randomly allocated into blended regeneration oil (n = 14) and pure almond oil (n = 16) groups. Application of the assigned oil occurred twice a day for 6 months. Scarring (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale), itching (ITCH Assessment Scale) and scar discoloration (colorimetry) of the donor sites were assessed after 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between the groups in any applied parameter. We observed comparable outcomes (scar quality, itchiness, colorit) in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites for both oils. CONCLUSIONS: Regeneration oil and control oil presented comparable results regarding scar quality, itchiness and colorit in healed split-thickness skin graft donor sites after 6 months of application. Both oils are suitable for skin/scar care in split-thickness skin graft donor sites.

Undergraduate Skills Training in Pandemic Times: Where Is the Future of Medical Education?

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic forced medical programs to rapidly switch to remote teaching from scratch, impacting hands-on skills training. This study compared the efficacy of a hybrid online format to a regular in-person session for a mandatory surgical skills class. METHODS: Third-year undergraduate medical students attending the surgical skills class in the winter semester of 2020/21 at the Medical University of Graz were randomly assigned to either the hybrid or in-person class, depending on their course schedule and government regulations. The hybrid class involved online videos, one-on-one peer tutoring, and an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Pre- and post-class self-assessments were conducted to evaluate their theoretical and practical knowledge of a single interrupted suture. RESULTS: The study included 85 students in the regular in-person class and 50 in the hybrid class. A pre-class assessment revealed higher self-assessments in the hybrid class for theoretical and practical knowledge, but a post-class assessment showed no significant difference. The advantages and disadvantages of both modalities were identified, providing valuable insights for future curriculum development. CONCLUSIONS: Both teaching modes were effective for undergraduate surgical skills training. This study recommends implementing positive aspects of both the hybrid and in-person formats while recognizing their respective limitations.

Local Periarticular Infiltration with Dexmedetomidine Results in Superior Patient Well-Being after Total Knee Arthroplasty Compared with Peripheral Nerve Blocks: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with a Follow-Up of Two Years.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare local periarticular infiltration (LIA) with ultra-sound guided regional anesthesia (USRA) with ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine as an additive agent in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Fifty patients were randomized into two groups in a 1:1 ratio. Patients in the LIA group received local periarticular infiltration into the knee joint. The USRA group received two single-shot USRA blocks. Functional outcomes and satisfaction (range of movement, Knee Society Knee Score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, Oxford Knee Score, and Forgotten Joint Score), including well-being, were analyzed preoperatively and at five days, six weeks, and one and two years postoperatively. RESULTS: Functional outcomes did not significantly differ between the two groups at six weeks and one and two years after the implementation of TKA. A moderate correlation was observed in the LIA group regarding well-being and pain on day five. Six weeks postoperatively, the LIA group showed significantly superior well-being but worse pain scores. No differences between the groups in well-being and functional outcomes could be observed one and two years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Patients treated with LIA had superior postoperative well-being in the early postoperative phase of up to six weeks. Furthermore, LIA patients had similar functionality compared to patients treated with USRA but experienced significantly more pain six weeks postoperatively. LIA leads to improved short-term well-being, which is potentially beneficial for faster knee recovery. We believe that LIA benefits fast-track knee recovery with respect to improved short-term well-being, higher practicability, and faster application.

Persistent Pain as an Early Indicator for Operative Carpal Tunnel Revision after Primary Release: A Retrospective Analysis of Recurrent and Persistent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) after primary carpal tunnel release (CTR) can reduce the quality of life and lead to multiple referrals across specialties. The following study aimed to identify differences in symptoms, signs, and intraoperative findings between recurrent and persistent CTS cases to avoid undesired outcomes after primary CTR. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on revision CTRs performed between 2005 and 2015 using literature-based definitions for recurrent (a relapse of symptoms occurs following a symptom-free period of ≥3 months) and persistent (symptoms persisting longer than three months after surgical release) CTS. The parameters assessed were symptoms, clinical signs, and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: Out of 53 cases, 85% (n = 45) were external referrals, whereby our own revision rate was 0.67% (n = 8/1199). Paresthesia and numbness were frequent in both groups; however, abnormal postoperative pain was reported more often in persistent cases (86%; n = 30/35) in comparison to recurrent cases (50%; n = 9/18; p = 0.009). Scarring around the median nerve was observed in almost all recurrent cases (94%; n = 17/18) and in 40% (n = 14/35) of persistent cases (p < 0.001). Incomplete division of the palmar ligament was the primary cause for revision in the persistent cohort (49%; n = 17/35). CONCLUSIONS: For patients experiencing symptoms for more than three months after CTR, primarily presenting as pain, it is advisable to consider referring the patient to a certified hand clinic for additional evaluation.

Clinical Applications of Three-Dimensional Printing in Upper Extremity Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Three-dimensional printing for medical applications in surgery of the upper extremity has gained in popularity as reflected by the increasing number of publications. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the clinical use of 3D printing in upper extremity surgery. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed and Web of Science for clinical studies that described clinical application of 3D printing for upper extremity surgery including trauma and malformations. We evaluated study characteristics, clinical entity, type of clinical application, concerned anatomical structures, reported outcomes, and evidence level. RESULTS: We finally included 51 publications with a total of 355 patients, of which 12 were clinical studies (evidence level II/III) and 39 case series (evidence level IV/V). The types of clinical applications were for intraoperative templates (33% of a total of 51 studies), body implants (29%), preoperative planning (27%), prostheses (15%), and orthoses (1%). Over two third of studies were linked to trauma-related injuries (67%). CONCLUSION: The clinical application of 3D printing in upper extremity surgery offers great potential for personalized approaches to aid in individualized perioperative management, improvement of function, and ultimately help to benefit certain aspects in the quality of life.

Simultaneous Bilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty with Straight-Stems and Short-Stems: Does the Short One Do a Better Job?

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is known to be the most successful orthopaedic surgery of the last century, but it is still struggling with controversies concerning one-stage bilateral THA. The current study aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patients with unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA by using short-stem and straight-stem designs and focusing on operation time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay (LOS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2006 and 2018, 92 patients were enrolled in this study. Forty-six patients underwent a bilateral THA in one session, and forty-six matched patients underwent a unilateral THA. In each of the two groups (unilateral vs. bilateral), 23 patients received either a straight (unilateral: 10 females, 13 males, mean age 63; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, mean age 53 years) or short stem (unilateral: 11 females, 12 males, mean age 60 years; bilateral: 12 females, 11 males, 53 mean age 62 years). The blood count was checked preoperatively as well as one and three days after surgery. Furthermore, the operation time and LOS were investigated. RESULTS: Compared to THA with straight-stems, short-stem THA showed significantly less blood loss; there was no difference in the LOS of both groups. A significantly shorter operative time was only observed in the bilateral THA. CONCLUSION: The current study showed that simultaneous bilateral THA appears to be safe and reliable in patients without multiple comorbidities. In addition, short-stem THA appears to be beneficial in terms of clinical performance and outcome, and it appears to be superior to straight-stem THA, regardless of whether the patient underwent unilateral or simultaneous bilateral THA.

The Impact of Thermal Stress on Cognition and the Use of Cooling Wear for Alleviation-An Explorative Study.

Increased ambient temperatures during the care of severely burned patients are essential for mitigating hypothermia and minimizing the impact of consecutive hypermetabolism. For involved medical staff, those conditions may lead to impaired concentration, possibly negatively affecting optimal patient care. Yet, alleviation strategies are lacking. As a novel coping strategy, cooling wear may be an effective means. This explorative study aimed to investigate the effect of high ambient temperatures on the concentration capacity and cooling wear to alleviate thermal stress. The effects of high ambient temperatures and the additional use of cooling wear on the concentration capacity of medical staff were investigated in six subjects during two simulated burn surgeries. Each individual served as his/her own control undergoing one simulation with and one without cooling wear. Concentration capacity was measured before and after each simulation with a standardized test. The results suggested that high ambient temperatures, as used in burn medicine, negatively affect human concentration capacity. The initial assessment of concentration capacity yielded homogenous values. After heat exposure, subjects wearing cooling wear showed a higher concentration capacity and a lower error rate compared to subjects without cooling wear. Summing up, temperature-related decrements in vigilance and performance among medical personnel may impair the patients' outcome. As an opportunity to withstand thermal stress and improve medical care and safety, cooling wear showed promising results and may be used as a heat alleviator. Burn medicine may particularly benefit from further development and rigorous investigation of cooling strategies.

The Sinus Tract in Bone and Joint Infection: Minimally Invasive Salvation or Prolonged Suffering? A Multicenter Study.

This study assessed the quality of life (QOL) and the functional outcome in daily living in patients with a chronic, treatment-resistant periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or osteomyelitis, living with a natural or iatrogenic sinus tract. METHODS: A follow-up examination in three national reference centers for septic bone and joint surgery was performed utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D/A), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, including patients with a chronic sinus tract due to treatment-resistant PJI or osteomyelitis. RESULTS: In total, 48 patients were included, with a mean follow-up time of 43.1 ± 23.9 months. The mean SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 50.2 (±12.3) and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) was 33.9 (±11.3). The mean HADS-D was 6.6 (±4.4) and HADS-A was 6.2 (±4.6), and the VAS was 3.4 (±2.6). The SF-36 MCS showed no significant differences between the study group and the standard population (47.0, p = 0.10), as well as the HADS-A. The PCS in the study population was significantly worse (50.0, p < 0.001), as was the HADS-D. CONCLUSIONS: A sinus tract represents a treatment option in selected cases with an acceptable QOL. The treatment should be considered for multimorbid patients with a high perioperative risk or if the bone or soft tissue quality prevents surgery.

Femoral Anteversion in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Retrospective Comparison of Short- and Straight-Stem Models Using CT Scans.

Data on reconstruction of the femoral anteversion (FA) and the center of rotation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) are rare. We aimed to answer whether a short-stem fixation enables improved anatomical reconstruction of the FA compared to a straight-stem. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients who underwent short- (n = 89, group A, prospective) or straight-stem THA (n = 41, group B, retrospective) were included. CT scans of the hip, knee, and ankle were performed pre- and postoperatively in group A and in group B during the last follow-up. Femoral torsion was determined using three-dimensional models. RESULTS: The mean preoperative FA was 22.4° ± 11.0°, and the mean postoperative FA was 23.4° ± 10.1°. The relative difference was -0.8° ± 8°, and the absolute difference was 6.4° ± 4.9°. Gender analysis revealed significant differences in preoperative FA between female (f) and male (m) patients (28.1° ± 11.2° (f) vs. 18.4° ± 8.3° (m); p > 0.001) as well as in postoperative FA (26.7° ± 23.5° (f) vs. 21.0° ± 9.7° (m); p < 0.007) in group A. Postoperative FA was higher in group A (mean 6.8°; 23.9° ± 10.1° (f) vs. 16.6° ± 8.6° (m); p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study's findings suggest that short-stem THA leads to improved anatomical FA reconstruction; however, a substantial postoperative gender-related FA difference was detectable, which may warrant consideration by surgeons when determining the final stem anteversion. It should be noted that the impact of the postoperative gender-related FA difference on clinical outcomes is not entirely clear, and further research is warranted to elucidate this relationship.