Severe heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty in male patients under 70 years of age: effectiveness of prophylactic protocol.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the incidence of clinically significant heterotopic ossification (HO) in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), comparing outcomes with and without the adoption of an HO prophylactic protocol in male patients under 70 years of age. METHODS: The prophylactic protocol involved the administration of 50 mg of Indomethacin twice daily for 3 weeks. HO presence was classified according to the Brooker classification system, considering "severe" clinically significant HO (Brooker grade 3 and 4). RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-nine patients were included in our study, and an overall HO rate of 68.2% versus a rate of 61.5% was found respectively in patients not subjected and subjected to prophylactic protocol, without significant difference (PR 0.062). However, patients not subjected to the HO prophylactic protocol exhibited a severe HO rate of 22.4% compared to 7.7% in the prophylactic group, with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that prophylactic protocol adoption is significantly associated with lower rate of severe HO in male patients under 70 years of age. Currently, there are no orthopedic guidelines for the prevention and management of HO after THA, but in the absence of contraindications, the adoption of a prophylactic protocol for HO should always be considered in high-risk patients.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Fixation of a Pipkin Type-I Femoral Head Fracture.

Background: This video article describes the technique for arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Pipkin type-I fractures. Description: Surgery is performed with the patient in a supine position, with free lower limbs, on a radiolucent table. Arthroscopic superior and anterolateral portals are made similarly to the portals created to evaluate the peripheral compartment during an outside-in (ballooning) technique.1 An additional medial portal is subsequently created in order to aid in reduction and screw placement. The medial portal is created in abduction and external rotation of the hip (i.e., the figure-4 position). The adductor tendon is identified, and the portal is then safely positioned posteriorly to its margin, approximately 4 to 5 cm distal to the inguinal fold, avoiding the saphenous vein (usually identified with an ultrasound scan). The fragment is mobilized, debrided, and then reduced with use of a microfracture awl or a large Kirschner wire (used as a joystick). Following reduction, temporary fixation is performed with use of long Kirschner wires under direct visualization and fluoroscopic guidance. If reduction is satisfactory, definitive fixation can be performed with use of 4.5-mm headless screws through the medial portal. All steps of fragment reduction and fixation are performed through the medial portal, with the patient in the figure-4 position. Once the screws are placed, a final dynamic arthroscopic and fluoroscopic check is performed. Alternatives: In Pipkin type-I fractures, surgery is recommended when the femoral head fragment is large (exceeding 15% to 20% of the femoral head volume) and displaced (by >3 mm). In such cases, if untreated, spontaneous evolution to osteoarthritis may occur. For fragments smaller than 10% to 15% of the femoral head volume, arthroscopic removal is often the best choice2. Several approaches (e.g., Smith-Petersen, modified Hueter, Kocher-Langenbeck, and surgical safe dislocation) have been proposed for reduction and fixation, with surgical safe dislocation being the most versatile because of the uniquely complete visualization of the femoral head3. Rationale: The arthroscopic reduction and fixation technique for a non-comminuted Pipkin type-I fracture holds the intrinsic advantages of being less invasive than open surgery in terms of surgical exposure, and having less blood loss, infection risks, and wound complications. Arthroscopy allows direct visualization of the fragment and its reduction surface, along with removal of articular loose bodies and debridement. The surgical time is influenced by the surgeon's experience, but often is no longer than with an open procedure. In the few studies assessing the use of this technique, the rates of osteonecrosis and heterotopic ossification are lower than with open techniques. It is worth noting that the studies assessing the use of this procedure are limited both in number and quality; however, the results of these studies have been excellent. It must also be noted that patients undergoing arthroscopic fixation are mostly selected for this treatment because they have less severe injuries2-12. Expected Outcomes: Open reduction and fixation through one of a variety of approaches is the gold standard treatment for Pipkin fractures; however, it is a relatively invasive procedure, prone to increased risks of osteonecrosis of the femoral head and heterotopic ossification (from 4% to 78% of cases). In some cases, arthroscopic reduction and fixation can be as effective as open reduction, and carries with it the intrinsic advantages of a keyhole procedure. The reported 4.6% global complication rate following arthroscopic fixation demonstrates the potential advantages of this technique, with limits due to the low numbers of treated cases4. Important Tips: The operating room should be carefully set up, especially regarding the positions of the C-arm and the arthroscopy tower, which should be double-checked before starting the procedure.The medial portal should be created after identification of the saphenous vein on an ultrasound scan. The anesthesiologist or a radiologist may mark the vein on the skin preoperatively, or the surgeon may extend the arthroscopic portal and perform a superficial dissection to avoid the vessel.Visualization after creation of the portals is usually suboptimal until the hematoma is completely removed. Patience must be maintained in this phase of the procedure.A microfracture awl or a large Kirschner wire can be utilized as a joystick to aid in reduction of the fragment, from either the usual portals or the medial portal. This aid can facilitate rotation of the fragment, which is a key step in the reduction phase.Definitive fixation can be achieved with use of 4.5-mm cannulated headless screws. Large cannulated headless screws have longer and larger Kirschner wires that can also aid in reduction when used as joysticks, reducing the risk of bending or breaking during screw insertion. Additionally, a 4.5-mm screwdriver is longer, allowing easier insertion, especially in patients with a larger thigh. The large diameter should not be a concern because the head is sunk in a non-weight-bearing area of the head.To avoid the risk of misplacement or loss of the screw during its insertion, make use of a cannulated guide handle for 4.5-mm screws, such as the guide utilized in a Latarjet arthroscopic procedure.To prevent screw loss into the joint, utilize a loop-knotted wire around the proximal part of the screw; this wire is cut at the end of the procedure. Acronyms and Abbreviations: AAFF = arthroscopic-assisted fracture fixationHO = heterotopic ossificationUS = ultrasound/ultrasonographyAP = anteroposteriorCT = computed tomographyASIS = anterosuperior iliac spineGT = greater trochanterSP = Smith-PetersenIF = internal fixationK-wire = Kirschner wire.

Ganz femoral head reduction associated with coverage and containment procedures improve radiological and functional outcomes in Perthes' disease.

Aims: Ganz's studies made it possible to address joint deformities on both the femoral and acetabular side brought about by Perthes' disease. Femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) was developed to improve joint congruency, along with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), which may enhance coverage and containment. The purpose of this study is to show the clinical and morphological outcomes of the technique and the use of an implemented planning approach. Methods: From September 2015 to December 2021, 13 FHROs were performed on 11 patients for Perthes' disease in two centres. Of these, 11 hips had an associated PAO. A specific CT- and MRI-based protocol for virtual simulation of the corrections was developed. Outcomes were assessed with radiological parameters (sphericity index, extrusion index, integrity of the Shenton's line, lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle), and clinical parameters (range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)). Early and late complications were reported. Results: The mean follow-up was 39.7 months (standard deviation (SD) 26.4). The mean age at surgery was 11.4 years (SD 1.6). No major complications were recorded. One patient required a total hip arthroplasty. Mean femoral head sphericity increased from 46.8% (SD 9.34%) to 70.2% (SD 15.44; p < 0.001); mean LCEA from 19.2° (SD 9.03°) to 44° (SD 10.27°; p < 0.001); mean extrusion index from 37.8 (SD 8.70) to 7.5 (SD 9.28; p < 0.001); and mean Tönnis angle from 16.5° (SD 12.35°) to 4.8° (SD 4.05°; p = 0.100). The mean VAS improved from 3.55 (SD 3.05) to 1.22 (1.72; p = 0.06); mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score from 14.55 (SD 1.74) to 16 (SD 1.6; p = 0.01); and mean mHHS from 60.6 (SD 18.06) to 81 (SD 6.63; p = 0.021). The EQ-5D-5L also showed significant improvements. Conclusion: FHRO associated with periacetabular procedures is a safe technique that showed improved functional, clinical, and morphological outcomes in Perthes' disease. The newly introduced simulation and planning algorithm may help to further refine the technique.

Experimental assessment of pelvis slipping during postless traction for orthopaedic applications.

BACKGROUND: The application of lower limb traction during hip arthroscopy and femur fractures osteosynthesis is commonplace in orthopaedic surgeries. Traditional methods utilize a perineal post on a traction table, leading to soft tissue damage and nerve neuropraxia. A postless technique, using high-friction pads, has been considered as a potential damage-free alternative. However, whether these pads sufficiently prevent patient displacement remains unknown. Thus, this study systematically assesses the efficacy of commercial high-friction pads (PinkPad and CarePad) in restraining subject displacement, for progressively increasing traction loads and different Trendelenburg angles. METHODS: Three healthy male subjects were recruited and tested in supine and Trendelenburg positions (5° and 10°), using a customized boot-pulley system. Ten load disks (5 kg) were dropped at 15s intervals, increasing gradually the traction load up to 50 kg. Pelvis displacement along the traction direction was measured with a motion capture system. The displacement at 50 kg of traction load was analyzed and compared across various pads and bed inclinations. Response to varying traction loads was statistically assessed with a quadratic function model. RESULTS: Pelvis displacement at 50 kg traction load was below 60 mm for all conditions. Comparing PinkPad and CarePad, no significant differences in displacement were observed. Finally, similar displacements were observed for the supine and Trendelenburg positions. CONCLUSIONS: Both PinkPad and CarePad exhibited nearly linear behavior under increasing traction loads, limiting displacement to 60 mm at most for 50 kg loads. Contrary to expectations, placing subjects in the Trendelenburg position did not increase adhesion.

Proximal femoral valgus osteotomy for the treatment of developmental coxa vara: a systematic review of the literature.

Background: Developmental Coxa Vara (DCV) consists on a pathological reduction in head-shaft angle (HSA) and increased femoral retroversion. Several case series reported outcomes on proximal femoral valgus osteotomy (PFVO), but no evidence synthesis had been conducted. This systematic review aimed to (1) analyze success rate and complications, (2) report the degree of correction according to the HSA and the Hilgenreiner Epiphyseal Angle (HEA), compare success rate and degree of correction of subtrochanteric (SVO) vs intertrochanteric (IVO) osteotomy, and (4) difference in success rate and correction between patients in which an internal (IF) or external fixation (EF) technique was used. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were searched until February 20th, 2024 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies presenting outcomes on PFVO for DCV with >2 years follow-up and >5 patients were included. Review articles, language other than English and coxa vara secondary to other conditions were excluded. Study quality was evaluated through MINORS criteria. Results: 10 case series (level of evidence IV) were located for a total of 153 patients and 192 hips. Baseline results were as follows: male/female ratio was 1.45, mean age at surgery was 6.7 ± 1.5 and follow-up 5.1 ± 5.5 years. Overall success rate was 88.8%, with failure considered as any indication to revision surgery. Complications included loss of correction (10.9%), deep (1.0%) or superficial wound infection (2.6%). Revision surgery was performed in 18 hips (9.4%). Average correction was measured through HSA (preoperative 94.6 ± 8.1, postoperative 134.4 ± 10.2, change 38.2 ± 7.5°, p < 0.001) and HEA (preoperative 71.9 ± 5.5, postoperative 31.7 ± 5.7°, change 33.7 ± 10.5°, p < 0.001). Success rate was similar between osteotomy techniques (SVO: 91.0%; IVO: 94.1%; p = 0.48) and fixation strategy (IF: 85.4%; EF 95.8%; p = 0.096). Conclusions: PFVO presented satisfactory results for the treatment of DCV, with similar outcomes concerning the osteotomy site and fixation technique used. HSA and HEA correction were correlated to PFVO success rate. However, coxa vara is a tridimensional deformity, thus other parameters such as posterior sloping angle, mechanical axial deviation and proximal femoral offset should be included in future studies.

Low-dose prophylaxis protocol for heterotopic ossification after hip preservation surgery in a sport participants cohort.

BACKGROUND: Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a well-known complication of arthroscopic and open surgical treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Incidence of heterotopic ossification has been reported in the literature between 0% and 44% after hip arthroscopy and between 18.2% and 25% after anterior mini-open surgery. Currently, pharmacological prophylaxis with NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors are commonly used and their effectiveness is well documented in literature. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that the low-dose prophylaxis protocol with selective cox-2 inhibitors decreases the risk of heterotopic ossification in open or arthroscopic hip preservation surgery in athletes. METHODS: This study is an analysis of prospectively gathered data on 98 sport participant patients who underwent arthroscopic or anterior mini-open treatment for FAI between April 2008 and April 2018. All the patients received postoperative oral prophylaxis with 60 mg etoricoxib once daily for two weeks. Post-operative X-rays were performed at 1, 3, and 12 months after surgery and reviewed by two orthopedic surgeons blinded to the type and side of surgery. HO were graded according to the Brooker classification. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze demographic data. Bivariate analysis was performed to analyze the association of HO with each of the following variables: type of surgery, physical activity, time of evolution of symptoms, age at surgery, and sex. Finally, a regression model analysis was performed to determine the presence of confounding effects between variables. RESULTS: The study cohort was composed of 54 patients in the arthroscopic treatment group and 44 patients in the anterior mini-open group. HO was identified in 6 (13.6%) patients in the mini-open group. No HO was identified in the arthroscopic group. In the bivariate analysis, "type of surgery" was the only variable that showed a statistically significant association with HO (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that anterior mini-open treatment was characterized by a higher risk of HO development compared to hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement treatment regardless of pharmacological prophylaxis. The treatment regimen of 60 mg etoricoxib daily for two weeks was an effective prophylaxis for HO formation in sport participant patients compared with data available in the literature.

Arthroscopic assistance during open reduction and fixation for complex acetabular fractures.

Achieving an anatomical reduction in acetabular fracture is essential but may also be challenging. Most of complex fractures are treated with anterior approaches without direct visualization of the acetabular surface. In this paper, we present the surgical technique for arthroscopic assistance during open reduction and fixation for complex acetabular fractures. To our knowledge, this technique has not been described in the literature yet.

Isolated greater trochanter fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated fractures of the greater trochanter (GT) in adults are rare injuries and traditionally treated without surgery. The present systematic review was designed to examine the treatment protocol for isolated GT fractures and to discover if innovative surgical techniques, such as arthroscopy or suture anchors, can be used to improve outcomes in young active patients. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted including all full-text articles suited our inclusion criteria from January 2000 describing treatment protocols of isolated great trochanter fractures confirmed at MRI in adults. RESULTS: The searches identified a total of 247 patients from 20 studies with a mean age 56.1 years and mean follow-up 13,7 months. Only 4 case report treated 4 patients with not unique surgical strategy. The rest of the patients were treated conservatively. DISCUSSION: Most trochanteric fractures can heal without surgical intervention with good results However, the patient must not immediately bear full weight and the abductor's function could decrease. Displaced GT fragments more than 2 cm or athletes, young, demanding patients may benefit from surgical fixation to regain abductor function and strength. Evidence-based surgical strategies could be provided by arthroplasty and periprosthetic literature. CONCLUSION: The grade of fracture displacement and the physical demands of the athlete can be important factors in the decision process for or against surgery. By now, no evidence-based guideline exists for the ideal treatment method in demanding patients. It is necessary use a "patient-specific" treatment strategy.

Extended trochanteric osteotomy is a safe procedure in two-stage hip revision: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Extended trochanteric osteotomy (ETO) has proved to be an effective technique in complicated stem removal in femoral aseptic loosening or periprosthetic fracture. Debate remains about its safety in periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The primary aim of this study is to analyze the ETO reinfection and union rate in two-stage hip revision. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed regarding all studies reporting ETO outcomes in the two-stage revision for hip PJI up to October 2022, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. A literature search was conducted in the following databases: MEDLINE/EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. This systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews. Patient demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected. RESULTS: This systematic review included and analyzed nine clinical studies with a total of 382 ETO PJI hips in two-stage revision. The overall ETO reinfection rate was 8.9% (34 hips), consistent with the reinfection rate after two-stage revision in patients without ETO. The overall ETO union rate was 94.8% (347 hips), comparable to the ETO union rate in non-septic patients. Compared between a group of patients with ETO PJI and a group of patients with non-PJI ETO, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications, both septic and aseptic, and for postoperative HHS. CONCLUSION: ETO proved to be a safe and effective procedure in PJI revisions. It may be a viable option in challenging femoral stem removal during the two-stage hip revision in PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Spring Plates as a Valid Additional Fixation in Comminuted Posterior Wall Acetabular Fractures: A Retrospective Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: The posterior wall fracture is the most frequent pattern of acetabular fractures. Many techniques of fixation have been described in the literature and involve plates, screws, or a combination of both. This study aims to investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of spring plates in the treatment of comminuted posterior wall acetabular fractures. (2) Methods: A retrospective multicenter (four level I trauma centers) observational study was performed. Patients with a comminuted posterior wall acetabular fracture treated with a spring plate (DePuy Synthes, West Chester, PA) were included. Diagnosis was made according to the Judet and Letournel classification. Diagnosis was confirmed with plain radiographs in an antero-posterior view and Judet views, iliac and obturator oblique views, and thin-slice CT with multiplanar reconstructions. (3) Results: Forty-six patients (34 males and 12 females) with a mean age of 51.7 years (range 19-73) were included. The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle accident (34 cases). In all cases, spring plates were placed under an overlapping reconstruction plate. The mean follow-up was 33.4 months (range 24-48). The mean period without weight-bearing was 4.9 weeks (range 4-7), and full weight-bearing was allowed at an average of 8.2 weeks (range 7-11) after surgery. (4) Conclusions: According to the present data, spring plates can be considered a viable additional fixation of the posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Candida periprosthetic infection of the knee: a systematic review of surgical treatments and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Candida periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a rare cause of prosthesis revision with severe consequences and challenging treatment. This study aims to produce a systematic analysis of types of treatment and outcome of knee Candida PJIs and their correlation with specific pathogen species. METHODS: During April 2021, a literature search was performed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. Reviewers used the Oxford Level of Evidence (LoE) and Methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) score. Modal value of surgical, pharmacological treatment and outcome along with the correlation between types of treatment and outcome was calculated through Chi-square or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: In total, 115 cases were collected through 51 articles, identifying 116 pathogens. Candida albicans was the most frequent pathogen. Analysis of LoE reveals 40 LoE 5 and 11 LoE 4. Thirteen patients underwent one-stage revision, 46 patients two-stage revision, 6 patients resection arthroplasty and arthrodesis, 4 patients long-term antifungal therapy, and 3 patients debridement with prosthesis retention. Global rate of success was 85.14%. Modal distribution revealed a preference for two-stage revision and Fluconazole in medical therapy. No difference in terms of fungal eradication was found among Candida species (p = 0.503) and for treatments except for two-stage revision and resection arthroplasty (p = 0.0125) or debridement with implant retention (p = 0.0498), and the rest of procedures and resection arthroplasty (0.0192). MINORS score was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the literature did not highlight any difference between types of surgical treatment and pathogens in terms of relapse or infection eradication. However, two-stage replacement may be preferred, allowing healing of infection in most cases.

Heterotopic ossification in primary total hip arthroplasty: risk factor analysis.

BACKGROUND: Aim is to identify if age, sex, type of posterolateral approach (mini vs standard), surgical time and time from surgery to drainage removal were independent risk factors for heterotopic ossifications after total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent a THA with posterolateral approach during a 15 years period were included. The exclusion criteria were absence of X-rays follow-up or HO prophylaxis protocol adoption. The following data were collected: age, sex, type of approach (classical/minimal-invasive), surgical time, time from surgery to drainage removal. Two orthopedic surgeons independently reviewed the 2 years follow-up X-rays and classified the HO according to Brooker classification. Severe HO was defined if HO were classified as major than grade 2. Correlation between severe HO and risk factor has been tested with multivariable analysis. RESULTS: About 1225 patients were included: mean age of 63.8 years, 504 were men. HO were found in 67.6%. Men showed higher severe HO rate than woman (44.1% vs 29.1%, p = 0.001). Patients older than 65 years showed higher severe HO rate (30.3% vs 39.9%, p = 0.002). Standard posterolateral approach was performed in 75.4% and severe HO rate was 32.8% versus 27.1% in those treated with the minimally invasive approach (p = 0.067). In 75.6% of cases surgery lasted less than 90 min and this group showed a severe HO rate in 29.1%, while patient with longer surgical time showed a rate of 35.7% (p = 0.033). In 47.4% of patients, the drainage was removed in the first post-operative day, in this group severe HO rate was significantly lower than the others: 24.8 versus 36.2% (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION: Male sex, age older than 65 years, surgical time longer than 90 min and delayed drainage removal are risk factors for severe HO. Patients with one or more of those risk factors should be identified as good candidates for HO prophylaxis.

Primary total knee arthroplasty in tibial plateau fractures: Literature review and our institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: Displaced proximal tibia fractures in the elderly may be very difficult to manage. If osteosynthesis represents the standard of care in the younger patients, in the aged population this solution is controversial because a significant failure rate has been reported after internal fixation. Moreover, osteoarthritis progression following tibial plateau fractures is common, often requiring a subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In recent years, in order to overcome the fracture healing problems and to allow immediate full weight bearing, primary TKA after tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients has gained popularity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: from 2015 to 2019, 11 tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients with pre-existing osteoarthritis were treated with a primary TKA. Age, gender, mechanism of trauma, pre-operative autonomy level, fractures classification, degree of osteoarthritis and intraoperative data (ligamentous stability and type of implant) were collected. After a mean follow-up of 28 months, Knee Society Score (KSS), post-operative autonomy level and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) were evaluated. The radiological assessment (signs of loosening, limb axis and patellar height indices) and complications were also recorded. RESULTS: according to fracture type and ligamentous competence, 6 cases of posterior-stabilized (PS) design and 5 cases of semi-constrained TKA were implanted. At the final follow up, mean KSS knee score was 83±16 and mean KSS functional score was 74±15. Mean pre-operative autonomy level assessed with the Parker scale, was significantly higher than the post-operative one (7.5±1.4 vs 5.6 ± 1.3). Mean FJS was 66 ± 14. No lines of radiolucency or limb malalignment were found at the final radiological follow-up. One major complication was recorded: one acute periprosthetic infection. One patient reported a periprosthetic femoral fracture after 26 months. CONCLUSION: Based on our and results and those reported on literature, primary TKA is a suitable option in case of tibial plateau fractures in elderly patients with pre-existing osteoarthritis and poor bone quality, in which osteosynthesis outcome may be poor. Unlike ORIF, primary TKA may allow immediate weightbearing and a faster recovery. Nevertheless, it is a demanding surgery with a significant complications rate and should be reserved for selected patients and experienced surgeons.

The current treatment of hip arthroplasty revision: a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular revision surgery is the most challenging aspect in hip prosthetic. There is lack of consensus on the optimal method of reconstructing the acetabular defects. The aim of this systematic review is to take stock of the state of the art on the options available and highlight which type of construct is the most reliable in usual clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reporting of this systematic review was guided by the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2020 Statement.Electronic search of MEDLINE was performed from 1991 up to April 2021 to identify relevant studies for this review.  Discussion: various surgical techniques have been adopted and proposed to treat acetabular bone defects: cemented cups, large-sized non-cemented acetabular cups, higher positioned cups, reinforcement rings, cage, oblong cups, custom triflange implants, high porous metal cups and augments. Bone defect defines the type of components to be implanted and among those, outcomes are various depending on the study taken into account, the component used and the degree of initial bone defect. CONCLUSIONS: In acetabular revision surgerythe use of TM cups and augment is a valid option in presence of major bone loss and pelvic discontinuities. In clinical practice the use of TM components replaced rings, while the cup-cage implant replaced conventional cages. TM augments and cups can be considered as the most promising technique in the reconstruction of wide acetabular defects, while the use of cages can be considered as a valid option in the elderly population.

Management of Femur Fractures during COVID-19 Pandemic Period: The Influence of Vaccination and Nosocomial COVID-19 Infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic management has led to a significant change in orthopedic surgical activity. During the pandemic, femur fractures in patients over 65 years of age have maintained a constant incidence. Our study will focus on this fragile population, analyzing the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during hospital stays and the clinical and radiographic orthopedic outcomes. We also evaluated the va\riation of COVID-19 infection after health professionals' vaccinations, and the influence of inter-hospital transfers caused by logistical and organizational aspects of the pandemic. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive and prospective study from 13 October 2020 to 15 March 2021. Participants were patients over 65 years of age with diagnoses of proximal femoral fractures with r surgical treatments indicated. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 infected patients during the stay with non-infected cases. A second evaluation was carried out dividing the patients into those who underwent inter-hospital transfers and a group without transfers. We subdivided the study period into two, according to the percentage of healthcare workers vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The reported clinical variables included the Parker and Palmer Score, the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, the Harris Hip Score, mortality, the Rush Score, and evaluation of reduction in radio-lucent lines in prosthetic implants. Results: Ninety-three patients were studied. The whole positive COVID cohort (11.83%) was hospitalized during the period when less than 80% of health workers were vaccinated (p = 0.02). The COVID cohort and the patients transferred before surgery had longer stays in the Emergency Room (p = 0.019; p = 0.00007) and longer lengths of stay compared to the other patients (p = 0.00001; p = 0.001). Mortality was higher both in the infected group and in the patients who underwent a transfer before the surgical procedure (18.18% vs. 1.22 %; p = 0.003. 25% vs. 6.85%; p = 0.02). In terms of orthopedic outcomes measured through the third month of follow-up, we found worse score results in functional and radiographic outcomes in the COVID positive cohort and in the transferred patients' cohort. Conclusions: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients treated for proximal femur fracture was statistically significant. Patients with Coronavirus during hospitalization obtained poor short-term radiographic and functional results and increased peri-operative mortality. The incidence of intra-hospital infection was high during the period in which health professionals were not yet covered by the anti-COVID vaccination cycle. Patients who were transferred between two hospitals due to pandemic-related management issues also achieved reduced outcomes compared to non-transferred cases, with increased mortality.

Percutaneous Cement Discoplasty in Degenerative Spinal Disease: Systematic Review of Indications, Clinical Outcomes, and Complications.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous cement discoplasty (PCD) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can provide a segmental stabilizing and indirect decompression effect in the case of severely degenerated discs characterized by vacuum phenomenon. This systematic review aims to analyze the available literature relating to correct indications and clinical and radiologic efficacy of PCD in patients affected by advanced degenerative spine conditions. METHODS: The search was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline. Comprehensive research of PubMed, Scopus, and OVID databases was made using the following Mesh terms: ((cement) AND (discoplasty) AND ((vertebral) OR (spinal) OR (spine))). Modal distribution was used to assess the most frequent levels of PCD per patient. Quality assessment of each article was performed according to the Oxford Level of Evidence, Methodological Index for Non-Randomized studies, and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies score by 2 authors. RESULTS: After the databases search, 5 full-text articles were included in the systematic review for a total of 291 patients (218 females and 73 males). Median PCD levels were 2.2. Despite promising clinical results, the methodologic index showed poor Methodological Index for Non-Randomized and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies scores. CONCLUSIONS: PCD provides good clinical results in elderly patients, especially for pain relief. However, the current literature is poor and the article included in the systematic review showed a poor methodologic score, which could affect the conclusions.

Corrigendum to: Safety of intraarticular corticosteroid injection preceding hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis amid resolving COVID-19 arthroplasty restrictions.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1093/jhps/hnab064.].

Combined simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injuries. A systematic review of the literature with injury patterns and current treatment rationale.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have allowed a great improvement in understanding elbow and forearm traumatic injuries. Simple elbow dislocations combined with forearm injuries have been occasionally reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to detect the possible patterns of simple elbow dislocations and forearm fracture-dislocations, providing a classification scheme to guide surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed search was performed to find combination of simple elbow dislocation and forearm joint injury, between 2000 and 2020, including clinical studies and case report. All articles related to pediatric patient or with complex elbow dislocation were excluded. After identification, articles were analyzed for the description of injury patterns reported according to locker-based classification system of forearm joint injuries. RESULTS: Finally, 15 articles were included. Most of the patients sustained high-energy trauma. According to locker-based classification system, simple elbow dislocation was combined with: MRUJ and DRUJ Galeazzi injury (2IR.3), PRUJ and MRUJ injury (1.2I), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with ulnar shaft fracture (1.2 IU), PRUJ and MRUJ injury with radial and ulnar shaft fracture (1.2IRU), PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ Essex-Lopresti injury (1.2I.3), and PRUJ MRUJ DRUJ injury with radial shaft fracture (1.2IR.3). Thirteen out of 15 patients undergo surgical treatment. Clinical results were overall favorable. CONCLUSIONS: Simple elbow dislocation combined with forearm joint injury is an uncommon traumatic pattern usually secondary to high-energy trauma. A thorough knowledge of elbow and forearm biomechanics, and classification of anatomical lesion is mandatory for a successful treatment.

Trauma workload during COVID19 lockdown: an analysis of incidence in 4 million people.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study is to report the trauma workload during COVID19 lockdown in a region of four million people and to compare it with the same period in 2019. METHODS: The regional register for A&E admissions and hospitalizations has been reviewed in order to compare the number of A&D admission, the triage colour codes rates, aetiology of trauma, number of patients hospitalized for trauma, number of fractures that required surgery, type of fractures and injuries and mean patients' age. RESULTS: During lockdown 7314 patients were admitted in A&E, while 22,508 patients were admitted in 2019. In 2020 and 2019 triage codes were respectively distributed as follows: red code 0.1% vs 0.2%, yellow code 8.9% vs 6.3%, green code 84% vs 84.7% and white code 6% vs 8.8%. (p = 0.042). The number of hospitalized patients for trauma was 670 in 2020, while in 2019 was 1774 (p = 0.02). The most common fracture that required surgery was femur fracture (409 in 2020 vs 635 in 2019); fracture subtype distribution and mean age of the patients were significantly different in the two groups (respectively p < 0.01 and p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: One month of lockdown showed a 68% decrease in the number of A&E visits and a 74% decrease of fractures that required surgery. Femur fracture showed the lowest decrease moving from 635 to 409 units but increasing their incidence rate (42 to 61%).