Task-oriented exercises improve disability of working patients with surgically-treated proximal humeral fractures. A randomized controlled trial with one-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: General physiotherapy is a common means of rehabilitation after surgery for proximal humeral fracture (PHF). Better-targeted exercises seem worthy of investigation and the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a rehabilitation program including task-oriented exercises in improving disability, pain, and quality of life in patients after a PHF. METHODS: By means of a randomized controlled trial with one-year follow-up, 70 working patients (mean age of 49 ± 11 years; 41 females), who were selected for open reduction and internal fixation with plates caused by PHF, were randomized to be included in an experimental (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). There was a permuted-block randomization plan, and a list of program codes was previously created; subsequently, an automatic assignment system was used to conceal the allocation. The first group underwent a supervised rehabilitation program of task-oriented exercises based on patients' specific job activities, and occupational therapy. The second group underwent general physiotherapy, including supervised mobility, strengthening and stretching exercises. Both groups individually followed programs of 60-min session three times per week for 12 weeks in the outpatient setting. The Disability Arm Shoulder Hand questionnaire (DASH; scores range from 0 to 100; primary outcome), a Pain intensity Numerical Rating Scale (scores range 0 to 10; secondary outcomes), and the Short-Form Health Survey (scores range from 0 to 100; secondary outcomes) assessed the interventions. Participants were evaluated before surgery, before and after rehabilitation (primary endpoint), and at the one-year follow-up (secondary endpoint). A linear mixed model analysis for repeated measures was carried out for each outcome measure (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Time, group and time by group showed significant effects for all outcome measures in favour of the experimental group. The DASH and the DASH work achieved clinically important between-group differences of 16.0 points (95% confidence interval [C.I.] 7.3 to 24.7) and 19.7 (95% C.I. 9.0 to 30.5) at follow-up, respectively. The NRS achieved a between-group difference of 2.9 (95% C.I. 1.0 to 3.9) at follow-up. As for SF-36, there were between-group differences ranging from 17.9 to 37.0 at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: A rehabilitation program based on task-oriented exercises was useful in improving disability, pain, and quality of life in working patients after PHFs. Improvements lasted for at least 12 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: On 16/12/2019, the trial was retrospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry with the ID number 17996552 .

Reliability and reproducibility of the new AO/OTA 2018 classification system for proximal humeral fractures: a comparison of three different classification systems.

BACKGROUND: The classification systems for proximal humeral fractures routinely used in clinical practice include the Neer and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 2007 systems. Currently used systems have low inter- and intraobserver reliability. In 2018, AO/OTA introduced a new classification system with the aim of simplifying the coding process, in which the Neer four-part classification was integrated into the fracture description. The aim of the present work is to assess the inter- and intraobserver agreement of the new AO/OTA 2018 compared with the Neer and AO/OTA 2007 classifications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 116 radiographs of consecutive patients with proximal humeral fracture were selected and classified by three observers with different levels of experience. All three observers independently reviewed and classified the images according to the Neer, AO/OTA 2007, and new AO/OTA 2018 systems. To determine the intraobserver agreement, the observers reviewed the same set of radiographs after an interval of 8 weeks. The inter- and intraobserver agreement were determined through Cohen's kappa coefficient analysis. RESULTS: The new AO/OTA 2018 classification showed substantial mean inter- (k = 0.67) and intraobserver (k = 0.75) agreement. These results are similar to the reliability observed for the Neer classification (interobserver, k = 0.67; intraobserver, k = 0.85) but better than those found for the AO/OTA 2007 system, which showed only moderate inter- (k = 0.57) and intraobserver (k = 0.58) agreement. The two more experienced observers showed better overall agreement, but no statistically significant difference was found. No differences were found between surgical experience and agreement regarding specific fracture types or groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the Neer system still represents the more reliable and reproducible classification. However, the new AO/OTA 2018 classification improved the agreement among observers compared with the AO/OTA 2007 system, while still maintaining substantial descriptive power and simplifying the coding process. The universal modifiers and qualifications, despite their possible complexity, allowed a more comprehensive fracture definition without negatively affecting the reliability or reproducibility of the classification system. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic studies.

Short stem total hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in patients 60 years or younger: a 3- to 10-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: In young patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), short-stem total hip arthroplasty (THA) could allow a potential advantage in preserving metaphyseal bone-stock, when revision surgery might become necessary. However, only a few studies have evaluated the outcome of short-stem THAs in ONFH. We reviewed the prospectively collected data of a cementless partial neck-retaining short-stem with ceramic-on-ceramic bearings in ONFH patients. METHODS: Thirty patients (37 hips) younger than 60 years (mean age at surgery, 51.5 years) underwent THA with the NANOS® stem (Smith and Nephew, Marl, Germany) from January 2006 to December 2012. All patients received a 32-mm or 36 mm ceramic femoral head. Harris hip score, WOMAC and UCLA activity score were recorded. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for bone-implant fixation and osteolysis. Further analysis correlated clinical findings with implants characteristics and patient demographics at mean 5.6 years' follow-up (range, 3-10 years). RESULTS: The clinical and functional results improved significantly (p < 0.001). At latest follow-up, mean HHS, WOMAC, and UCLA activity scores were 90 (range, 71-100), 94 (range, 76-100), and 6.3 (range, 4-10) points, respectively. The diameter of the femoral head did not influence the clinical outcome (p = 0.661). All hips showed bone ingrowth fixation of the acetabular and femoral components. No patients showed osteolysis. No revision for any reason was performed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The excellent clinical results and fixation pattern at mean 5.6 years' follow-up reveal this implant as a reliable option in advanced stage of ONFH either. Further investigations are crucial to determine the long-term durability and to assess whether the association of ceramic-on-ceramic bearings, can be useful to achieve longer survivorship and lower complications rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry number: ISRCTN 91336248 ; date of registration: 04/07/2017.

Periprosthetic fractures: epidemiology and current treatment.

Periprosthetic fractures are becoming increasingly frequent due to aging population and growing number of total joint replacements involving joints different from hip and knee, such as shoulder and elbow. The treatment of these fractures still represents one of the major challenges for the orthopedic surgeon. Despite all efforts to understand and treat these patients, high rate of failure and mortality are still reported. In this review, the epidemiology of periprosthetic fractures, risk factors and results of surgical treatment are disclosed. Moreover, we propose a treatment algorithm based on the findings of the New Unified Classification System.

Atypical periprosthetic acetabular fracture in long-term alendronate therapy.

Bisphosphonates have been commonly used in the treatment of osteoporosis, demonstrating its efficacy in fracture risk reduction. However, even if are generally safe and well tolerated, concerns have emerged about atypical fractures related to its prolonged use. Although atypical femoral fracture are more common, case reports demonstrated that even other skeletal areas can be involved by unusual pattern of fracture. We report a atypical acetabular periprosthetic fracture in a 83-year-old female patient after prolonged alendronate treatment for osteoporosis and isolated acetabular revision surgery. The patient underwent to clinical, bioumoral and radiological evaluation and all the history cases were fully reported. We believe this periprosthetic fracture, according to the available data, may have similar underlying pathology to atypical femoral fractures. Awareness of symptoms, in addition to a regular radiographic survey may facilitate early diagnosis and possible prevention of spontaneous periprosthetic fractures, in patients receiving bisphosphonate therapy beyond 5 years. The treatment of this atypical periprosthetic fracture should include both surgical than pharmacological therapy to obtained bone healing.

Quantitative Assessment of Acetabular Defects in Revision Hip Arthroplasty Based on 3D Modeling: The Area Increase Ratio (AIR) Method.

The most common classifications for acetabular bone defects are based on radiographic two-dimensional imaging, with low reliability and reproducibility. With the rise of modern processing techniques based on 3D modelling, methodologies for the volumetric quantification of acetabular bone loss are available. Our study aims to describe a new methodology for the quantitative assessment of acetabular defects based on 3D modelling, focused on surface analysis of the integrity of the main anatomical structures of the acetabulum represented by four corresponding sectors (posterior, superior, anterior, and medial). The defect entity is measured as the area increase ratio (AIR) detected in all the sectors analyzed on three planes of view (frontal, sagittal, and axial) compared to healthy hemipelvises. The analysis was performed on 3D models from the CT-scan of six exemplary specimens with a unilateral pathological hemipelvis. The AIR between the native and the pathological hemipelvis was calculated for each sector, for a total of 48 analyses (range, +0.93-+171.35%). An AIR of >50% were found in 22/48 (45.8%) sectors and affected mostly the posterior, medial, and superior sectors (20/22, 90.9%). Qualitative analysis showed consistency between the data and the morphological features of the defects. Further studies with larger samples are needed to validate the methodology and potentially develop a new classification scheme.

Proximal femoral defect classifications in revision total hip arthroplasty from X-rays imaging to advanced 3D imaging: a narrative review.

Background and Objective: Femoral bone defect in hip arthroplasty revision surgery represents a complex problem, and the treatment is a challenge for orthopedic surgeons called to assess the residual bone stock in an altered anatomy and obtain stability for the new implant. Classification systems available are mostly based on X-rays two-dimensional images and lack of accuracy and reproducibility and comprehensive therapeutic algorithms. However, there is no record of any classification based on computed tomography (CT)-scan images or three-dimensional (3D) modeling modern techniques. We aimed to review the current literature around femoral defect classifications (FDCs) analyzing their different rationale basis, reliability and accuracy, and their benefit in clinical practice. Moreover, we highlighted the role of CT scan-based 3D modeling techniques in the setting of femoral bone defects and revision hip arthroplasty. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. The articles were selected from the PubMed and Scopus medical database updated to March 2023. All Level-I to IV studies in the English language were considered for inclusion. The research was performed using relevant search term items: "femoral defects", "classification", "radiographic", "revision hip arthroplasty", "CT scan" and "3D" and we included only articles that evaluated the accuracy or reliability (or both) of the different femoral bone defects classification system. Key Content and Findings: Our search yielded 408 results, of which 17 were deemed highly relevant. We found seven X-ray-based classification systems which have been attempted to quantify the degree of bone loss with low to good reproducibility. The most used classification system for femoral bone defects were the AAOS and Paprosky classification, which also offers a clinical therapeutic algorithm. In 2021, the FDC interestingly showed a new simple classification system with sub-optimal reproducibility and a practical therapeutic algorithm. Despite the numerous classification system of femoral defects, none of them comprehends the use of CT scan and 3D imaging technologies. Conclusions: Traditional X-rays-based classification system are still widely used event if their intra-observer and inter-observer reliability is sub-optimal. 3D modeling techniques represent an important diagnostic tool that could improve the understanding of bone defects and residual bone supportive structures, allowing to elaborate new, more precise, classification systems.

Segmental Mandibulectomy and Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibula-Free Flap Using a 3D Template.

INTRODUCTION: The present study evaluates the influence of virtual surgical planning with a preoperative 3D resin model on aesthetic and functional outcomes in patients treated by segmental mandibulectomy and reconstruction with fibula-free flap for oral cancer. METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and mandibular reconstruction with a fibula-free flap using a 3D template at our department from January 2021 to January 2023 were included in the study. "Patients control" were patients treated by reconstruction with a fibula-free flap without using a 3D template. Three-dimensional modeling was performed by converting from preoperative computed tomography to a stereolithography format to obtain the resin 3D models. Qualitative analysis of anatomical and aesthetic results consisted of the evaluation of the patients' aesthetic and functional satisfaction and the symmetry of the mandibular contour observed at clinical examination. Quantitative analysis was based on the assessment of the accuracy and precision of the reconstruction by comparing preoperative and postoperative computed tomograms as objective indicators. RESULTS: Seven patients (five males and two females, mean age of 65.1 years) were included in the study. All patients showed a symmetric mandibular contour based on the clinical examination. After recovery, six patients (85.7%) considered themselves aesthetically satisfied. The quantitative analysis (assessed in six/seven patients) showed that the mean difference between preoperative and postoperative intercondylar distance, intergonial angle distance, anteroposterior dimension, and gonial angle improved in the 3D template-assisted group. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed template for mandibular reconstruction with microvascular fibula-free flap can improve aesthetic outcomes in comparison with standard approaches.

The loss of extension test (LOE test): a new clinical sign for the anterior cruciate ligament insufficient knee.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was created to evaluate the reliability of a new clinical test, which we termed the "loss of extension test" (LOE test). The LOE test investigates the loss of normal maximum passive extension (MPE) of the knee due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear in comparison to the normal MPE of the healthy knee. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was divided into two consecutive parts. Part 1 was designed to assess the side-to-side difference in normal MPE in a healthy population. In part 1, 100 healthy adults were enrolled. Part 2 was designed to evaluate the LOE test reliability in injured knees. In part 2, we included 196 selected patients. RESULTS: In part 1, the average side-to-side difference in MPE in the healthy population was not statistically significant. In part 2, the overall average side-to-side difference in MPE of the injured group was 10.1 mm ± 14.1 (min -20; max 60), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.52). An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear was found in 121 knees among 196 patients. The average side-to-side difference in MPE in the ACL-insufficient group was 16.9 mm ± 13.4 (min -20; max 60), which was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). The accuracy of the loss of extension test was 83.7%, its specificity was 93.3%, its sensitivity was 77.7%, its positive predictive value was 95%, and its negative predictive value was 72.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of the LOE test is comparable to those reported in the literature for the Lachman test and dynamic tests, so the LOE test could represent a useful tool for the diagnosis of the anterior cruciate ligament insufficient knee.

Orthogeriatric Assessment of the Elderly Patient with Fragility Hip Fracture: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study.

Nowadays, more studies deal with "OrthoGeriatrics", for the co-management of elderly patients suffering fractures, from the admission to the discharge and beyond. For the first time at Cagliari University Hospital, we introduced an orthogeriatric service, in which trained geriatricians stay in orthopedic unit alongside trained orthopedics. The primary aim of the study was to analyze the rate of death and rehospitalization in elderly femur-fractured people of 65 or more years of age, identifying possible predictive factors. The secondary aim of the study was to analyze the recovery of daily living autonomies during the months following surgery. To reach the aim, we designed a prospective study, which is currently ongoing. We evaluated femur-fractured patients aged 65 years or more with a comprehensive geriatric assessment before surgery. The most common fractures were lateral hip ones, treated with osteosynthesis. Cognitive-affective, functional, and nutritional status, mood, and comorbidities were less impaired than in the outpatient service of the same hospital devoted to frail elderly. Pain control was excellent. A significantly low delirium incidence was found. More than a third of the sample were recognized as frail (according to the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe-Frailty Instrument (SHARE-FI)), and over a third of the sample were identified as a moderate-high risk of hospitalization and death (according to Multidimensional Prognostic Index (MPI)). Overall mortality rate was 13.87%, and rehospitalization rate was 11.84%. Frail people were more likely to die than non-frail (HR: 5.64), and pre-frail ones (HR: 3.97); similarly, high-risk patients were more likely to die than low-risk (HR: 8.04), and moderate-risk ones (HR: 5.46). Conversely, neither SHARE-FI nor MPI predicted rehospitalization. Creatinine (OR: 2.66, p = 0.003) and folate (OR: 0.75, p = 0.03) levels were independently associated with death and rehospitalization, respectively. Finally, the patients did recover the lost autonomies later, 6 months after surgery. Our study demonstrated that SHARE-FI and MPI are reliable tools to predict mortality in an orthogeriatric setting, and that creatinine and folate levels should also be measured given their independent association with negative outcomes.

Modular versus monoblock stem in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is estimated to grow in the following decades with a consequent increase of THA revisions (rTHA). This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare modular and monoblock stem in rTHA surgery, focusing on clinical and radiological outcomes and complication rates. Methods: A literature search was performed using the following search strategy: ((Modular stem) OR (monolithic stem)) AND (hip review) on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OS) compared clinical and radiological outcomes, and complication rates for monoblock and modular revision femoral stem were included. The risk of bias was assessed through the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. The Review Manager (RevMan) software was used for the meta-analysis. The rate of complications was assessed using odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The authors included 11 OS and one RCT with 3,671 participants (mean age: 68.4 years old). The mean follow-up was 46.9 months. There was no prevalence of subsidence for one type of stem. Mean subsidence was from 0.92 to 10 mm for modular stem and from 1 to 15 mm for monoblock stem. Postoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) showed better results with modular stems without statistical significance [mean difference (MD) =1.32; 95% CI: -1.62 to 4.27; P=0.38]. No statistically significant difference was found for dislocations (OR =2.48; 95% CI: 0.67 to 9.14; P=0.17), infections (OR =1.07; 95% CI: 0.51 to 2.23; P=0.86), intraoperative fractures (OR =1.62; 95% CI: 0.42 to 6.21; P=0.48), and postoperative fractures (OR =1.60; 95% CI: 0.55 to 4.64; P=0.39). Conclusions: Modular and monoblock stems show comparable and satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for rTHA. Both stems are valid and effective options for managing femoral bone deficit in hip revision surgery. The main limitation of this study is the small number and low quality of enclosed studies that compared the two stems. Moreover, the modular stem is usually used for more complex cases with lower quality femoral bone stock.

Periapical status in patients affected by osteoporosis: A retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the periapical status in patients with osteoporosis (OP) treated with denosumab (D), bisphosphonates (BPs), or not on medication, and to understand if these conditions influence the prevalence and the progression of apical periodontitis (AP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients with OP alone or treated with D, or BPs, formed the study group (O), and those from 76 patients matched for age and sex, without diseases, and not taking medications, constituted the control (C) in this retrospective case-control study. The data from the complete clinical and radiographic examination, medical history, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and periapical index score (PAI) were recorded for each patient. Wilcoxon rank test, χ2 , and Student's t test were used as appropriate. RESULTS: The prevalence of AP was similar in O and C. Furthermore, AP was significantly more frequent in root canal-treated teeth in O patients (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: OP does not appear to be associated with the development of AP. Moreover, the increased prevalence of AP in root canal-treated teeth in O patients highlights a possible relationship between the healing dynamics of the disease post-therapy and the patients' medication. A larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.

Current Practice of Italian Association of Revision Surgery Members in the Treatment of Unified Classification System Type B Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture Around Hip Arthroplasty: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Introduction: Periprosthetic femoral fracture around hip arthroplasty are growing in the world, nevertheless management and treatment options for fractures "around the stem" are still debated due to lack of high-level studies. Materials and method: A 85-item survey were fill out by 40 Italian Orthopedic Surgeon member of SIOT (Società Italiana di Ortopedia e Traumatologia) and AIR (Associazione Italiana Riprotesizzazione) to assess their current opinion in the management of type B periprosthetic femoral fractures. Responses were summarized using proportions, and further stratified by practice type, case volume, surgeon age, and fellowship training. Results: Vancouver/UCS fracture classification showed a good interobserver agreement (k value = .76). ORIF were the treatment of choice for UCS type B1 fractures (100%), revision stem for B2 (85%) and B3 (100%). Locked plates were preferred to cable plate and cerclage without a plate for B1 fractures (50% vs 40% vs 10%); revision with modular stem was preferred to monoblock stem for B2 fractures (50% vs 35%) and B3 (75% vs 15%). Responders tended to postpone at 1-month weight-bearing in patients with B1 fractures. Regarding postoperative pharmacological treatment there was absolute lack of consensus. Discussion: The primary finding of our survey confirmed the preference of ORIF for B1 fractures and stem revision for B2 and B3 fractures. However, there is no definitive operative technique for all UCS B fractures. Surgeons tended to favor locked plating over cable plating, although only slightly. This general lack of consensus coincides with the inconclusive evidence that currently exists in the literature, which demonstrates both favorable and unfavorable outcomes for both techniques. Conclusions: The absence of complete homogeneity among participants showed the need for prospective randomized studies to set up stronger guidelines for classification, management, surgical treatment, rehabilitation, and pharmacological support of periprosthetic femoral fractures.

Complications and Intraoperative Fractures in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The reverse shoulder arthroplasty is nowadays a treatment option for a variety of shoulder problems. As its incidence rose, also the number of complications increased, including intraoperative fractures. SIGNIFICANCE: We performed a systematic review and critical analysis of the current literature following the PRISMA guidelines. Our purpose was to: 1) determine incidence, causes, and characteristics of intraoperative fractures; 2) evaluate their current treatment options, possible related complications, reoperation rates, and the patients' outcome; and 3) determine the overall incidence of each complication related to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The articles were selected from PubMed medical database in April 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy. Rayyan software was used to support the selection process of the records. A descriptive and critical analysis of the results was performed. RESULTS: The study group included a total of 13,513 reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedures. The total number of complications was 1647 (rate 12.1%). The most common complication was dislocation (340 cases, rate 2.5%). Forty-six studies reported a total of 188 intraoperative fractures among the complications (rate 1.4%). The intraoperative fracture rate was 2.9% and 13.6% in primary and revision settings, respectively. There were 136 humeral fractures, 60% of them occurred in revision RSAs, during the removal of the previous implant, and involved the shaft in the majority of cases (39%). Glenoid fractures were 51 and occurred mostly during the reaming of the glenoid. We observed 7 further related complications (rate of 4%) and 3 reoperations (rate of 1.5%). The outcome was satisfactory in the majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive review on intraoperative fractures in reverse shoulder arthroplasties is presented. Results suggest favorable outcomes for all treatment methods, with a modest further complication rate. This investigation may aid in the treatment decision-making for these complications.

Poller blocking screw augmentation to treat delayed union of proximal tibial shaft fracture after locked IM nailing.

CASES: We present the cases of two adult male patients with painfully delayed union of proximal tibia diaphyseal fracture after intramedullary nailing. Patients underwent to nail dynamization and Poller blocking screw augmentation at 3 and 5 month, respectively, after the index surgery. Both patients were pain-free after the surgery and bone-union were radiographically evident after 3 months. At 12-month follow-up, patients returned to their previous activities. CONCLUSIONS: Although nail dynamization is the choice treatment to obtain fracture compression for delayed union of tibial shaft fractures, augmentation with Poller blocking screw could provide additional mechanical stiffness in unstable supra-isthmic shaft fractures of the tibia and favour bone union.

Lower Limb Kinematics in Individuals with Hip Osteoarthritis during Gait: A Focus on Adaptative Strategies and Interlimb Symmetry.

Among the functional limitations associated with hip osteoarthritis (OA), the alteration of gait capabilities represents one of the most invalidating as it may seriously compromise the quality of life of the affected individual. The use of quantitative techniques for human movement analysis has been found valuable in providing accurate and objective measures of kinematics and kinetics of gait in individuals with hip OA, but few studies have reported in-depth analyses of lower limb joint kinematics during gait and, in particular, there is a scarcity of data on interlimb symmetry. Such aspects were investigated in the present study which tested 11 individuals with hip OA (mean age 68.3 years) and 11 healthy controls age- and sex-matched, using 3D computerized gait analysis to perform point-by-point comparisons of the joint angle trends of hip, knee, and ankle. Angle-angle diagrams (cyclograms) were also built to compute several parameters (i.e., cyclogram area and orientation and Trend Symmetry) from which to assess the degree of interlimb symmetry. The results show that individuals with hip OA exhibit peculiar gait patterns characterized by severe modifications of the physiologic trend at hip level even in the unaffected limb (especially during the stance phase), as well as minor (although significant) alterations at knee and ankle level. The symmetry analysis also revealed that the effect of the disease in terms of interlimb coordination is present at knee joint as well as hip, while the ankle joint appears relatively preserved from specific negative effects from this point of view. The availability of data on such kinematic adaptations may be useful in supporting the design of specific rehabilitative strategies during both preoperative and postoperative periods.

Late onset periprosthetic joint infection of the knee caused by Streptococcus anginosus. Case presentation and literature review.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most dramatic complications of joint arthroplasty. Although streptococcal bone and joint infections are less common than staphylococcal cases, their role as causative agents of bone and joint remains significant accounting for at least 10% of PJIs. Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) bacteria are usually found in the normal flora of the urogenital tract, intestinal tract and oropharynx and could cause pyogenic infections to affect brain, lungs and liver. SAG bacteria are uncommonly reported as a cause of osteomyelitis and the involvement of a joint represent a rare event. S. anginosus has been anecdotical related to implant devices infections such as vascular prosthesis or orthopedic implants, however, PJI of the knee has never been fully reported before. We describe the case of a late onset periprosthetic knee infection due to Streptococcus anginosus successfully treated by a two-stage revision arthroplasty and postoperative parenteral Vancomycin, (2 g per day) and Levofloxacin (750 mg per day) for 4 weeks and then oral Levofloxacin for a further 2 weeks.

Synthetic Bone Substitutes and Mechanical Devices for the Augmentation of Osteoporotic Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies.

BACKGROUND: Different augmentation techniques have been described in the literature in addition to the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of cements, bone substitutes, and other devices for the augmentation of proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by using PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Library, Scopus/EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases according the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines over the years 1966 to 2019. The search term "humeral fracture proximal" was combined with "augmentation"; "polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA"; "cement"; "bone substitutes"; "hydroxyapatite"; "calcium phosphates"; "calcium sulfate"; "cell therapies", and "tissue engineering" to find the literature relevant to the topic under review. RESULTS: A total of 10 clinical studies considered eligible for the review, with a total of 308 patients, were included. Mean age at the time of injury was 68.8 years (range of 58-92). The most commonly described techniques were reinforcing the screw-bone interface with bone PMMA cement (three studies), filling the metaphyseal void with synthetic bone substitutes (five studies), and enhancing structural support with metallic devices (two studies). CONCLUSION: PMMA cementation could improve screw-tip fixation. Calcium phosphate and calcium sulfate injectable composites provided good biocompatibility, osteoconductivity, and lower mechanical failure rate when compared to non-augmented fractures. Mechanical devices currently have a limited role. However, the available evidence is provided mainly by level III to IV studies, and none of the proposed techniques have been sufficiently studied.

Use of 3D modelling and 3D printing for the diagnostic process, decision making and preoperative planning of periprosthetic acetabular fractures.

Periprosthetic acetabular fractures represent an uncommon but challenging complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA), mostly related to low-energy trauma and pathological conditions that reduce bone quality. Therefore, particularly in elderly patients, these fractures are associated with periprosthetic osteolysis and bone loss. CT scan is considered the gold standard to define the fracture pattern; however, the presence of the prosthetic implants in situ limits the full view of the articular surface and bone loss. A three-dimensional (3D) modelling software allows precise tridimensional reconstructions of the bony surface, virtually removing the metallic implants trough DICOM image segmentation. We highlight the case of a periprosthetic acetabular fracture around THA which occurred to a 75-year-old woman, in which a 3D modelling software was used to improve the assessment of fracture morphology and bone quality. Moreover, the 3D images were printed in a real-life size model and were used for preoperative implant templating, sizing and surgical simulation.