Italian consensus statement for the use of allografts in ACL reconstructive surgery.

PURPOSE: Graft choice for primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) is debated, with considerable controversy and variability among surgeons. Autograft tendons are actually the most used grafts for primary surgery; however, allografts have been used in greater frequency for both primary and revision ACL surgery over the past decade. Given the great debate on the use of allografts in ACL-R, the "Allografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction" consensus statement was developed among orthopedic surgeons and members of SIGASCOT (Società Italiana del Ginocchio, Artroscopia, Sport, Cartilagine, Tecnologie Ortopediche), with extensive experience in ACL-R, to investigate their habits in the use of allograft in different clinical situations. The results of this consensus statement will serve as benchmark information for future research and will help surgeons to facilitate the clinical decision making. METHODS: In March 2017, a formal consensus process was developed using a modified Delphi technique method, involving a steering group (9 participants), a rating group (28 participants) and a peer-review group (31 participants). Nine statements were generated and then debated during a SIGASCOT consensus meeting. A manuscript has been then developed to report methodology and results of the consensus process and finally approved by all steering group members. RESULTS: A different level of consensus has been reached among the topics selected. Strong agreement has been reported in considering harvesting, treatment and conservation methods relevant for clinical results, and in considering biological integration longer in allograft compared to autograft. Relative agreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for revision ACL-R, in considering biological integration a crucial aspect for rehabilitation protocol set-up, and in recommending a delayed return to sport when using allograft. Relative disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R in patients over 50, and in not considering clinical results of allograft superior to autograft. Strong disagreement has been reported in using allograft as the first-line graft for primary ACL-R and for skeletally immature patients. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this consensus do not represent a guideline for surgeons, but could be used as starting point for an international discussion on use of allografts in ACL-R. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, consensus of experts.

Characterization of the Proinflammatory Profile of Synovial Fluid-Derived Exosomes of Patients with Osteoarthritis.

The purpose of this study is to characterize synovial fluid- (SF-) derived exosomes of patients with gonarthrosis comparing two methods of isolation and to investigate their immune regulatory properties. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been isolated from inflamed SF by polymer precipitation method and quantified by Exocet kit and by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Vesicles expressed all the specific exosomal markers by immunoblot and FACS. After isolation with Exoquick, a relevant contamination by immune complexes was detected, which required further magnetic bead-based purification to remove. SF-derived exosomes significantly stimulated the release of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and metalloproteinases by M1 macrophages but did not influence the expression of CD80 and CD86 costimulatory molecules. In conclusion, we characterized purified exosomes isolated from inflamed SF and demonstrate that purified exosomes are functionally active in their ability to stimulate the release of proinflammatory factors from M1 macrophages. Our data indicate that SF-derived exosomes from gonarthrosis patients play a role in disease progression.

Current antibiotic management of prosthetic joint infections in Italy: the 'Udine strategy'.

The rate of prosthetic joint infections followed and cured at our institution is constantly increasing, in line with epidemiological data from the recent literature. This is probably related to the greater number of knee and hip prostheses implanted every year. For intermediate and late infections, only the two-stage approach is applied, as this demonstrates the best outcome in our experience. Particular attention is paid to microbiological isolation of the pathogen: multiple samples of tissue are collected during the interventions, and kept in culture for a longer period of time than usual. Sonication of prosthetic devices is used to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the microbiological cultures. Histological examination influences surgical choices either towards implantation of a new prosthesis or replacement of the spacer. An empirical antibiotic backbone of a glycopeptide/lipopeptide and rifampicin is chosen, due to the leading role of Gram-positive bacteria in this setting and the high incidence of methicillin resistance in our centre (>30%), followed by an antibiotic regimen containing linezolid. If specific risk factors are present, an anti-Gram-negative drug is added to the regimen. Duration of therapy depends upon the approach that is chosen, usually being 6 weeks when the prosthesis is removed. Despite at the moment being limited by its small sample size, data from our experience confirms that our empirical approach may represent a valid choice during the early phase of treatment, by keeping linezolid for a step-down therapy of shorter duration (4 weeks).

Prediction of early postoperative major cardiac events after elective orthopedic surgery: the role of B-type natriuretic peptide, the revised cardiac risk index, and ASA class.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate pre- and post-operative brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and compare the power of this test in predicting in-hospital major adverse cardiac events (MACE: atrial fibrillation, flutter, acute heart failure or non-fatal/fatal myocardial infarction) in patients undergoing elective prosthesis orthopedic surgery to that of the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class, the most useful scores identified to date. METHODS: The study was an observational study of consecutive patients undergoing elective prosthesis orthopedic surgery. Surgical risk was established using RCRI score and ASA class criteria. Venous blood was sampled before surgery and on postoperative day 1 for the measurement of BNP. The intraoperative data collected included details of the surgery and anesthesia and any MACE experienced up until hospital discharge. RESULTS: MACE occurred in 14 of the 227 patients treated (6.2%). Age was statistical associated with MACE (p < 0.004). Preoperative BNP levels were higher (p < 0.0007) in patients who experienced MACE than in event-free patients (median values: 92 and 35 pg/mL, respectively). Postoperative BNP levels were also greater (p < 0.0001) in patients sustaining MACE than in event-free patients (median values: 165 and 45 pg/mL, respectively). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that for a cut-off point ≥ 39 pg/mL, the area under the curve for preoperative BNP was equal to 0.77, while a postoperative BNP cut-off point ≥ 69 pg/mL gave an AUC of 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: Both pre- and post-operative BNP concentrations are predictors of MACE in patients undergoing elective prosthesis orthopedic surgery.

Single-shot NMR measurement of protein unfolding landscapes.

The transient unfolding events from the native state of a protein towards higher energy states can be closely investigated by studying the process of hydrogen exchange. Here, we present BLUU-Tramp (Biophysics Laboratory University of Udine-Temperature ramp), a new method to measure the rates for the exchange process and the underlying equilibrium thermodynamic parameters, using just a single sample preparation, in a single experiment that lasts some 20 to 60h depending on the protein thermal stability, to record hundreds of points over a virtually continuous temperature window. The method is suitable also in presence of other proteins in the sample, if only the target protein is (15)N-labelled. This allows the complete thermodynamic description of the unfolding landscape at an atomic level in the presence of small or macromolecular ligands or cosolutes, or in physiological environments. The method was successfully tested with human ubiquitin. Then the unfolding thermodynamic parameters were satisfactorily determined for the amyloidogenic protein ß(2)-microglobulin, in aqueous buffer and in synovial liquid, that is the natural medium of amyloid deposition in joints.

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.

Early failure of cement with loosening and dislocation of the femoral component in a unicompartmental knee replacement: a case report with microscopic assessment.

Background Medial unicompartimental knee artrhoplasty (UKA) is a valuable and well-known option in the treatment of medial osteoarthritis (OA). Early recovery and good results are usually reported. Failure mechanism include septic and mechanical loosening, bearing dislocation and lateral or patello-femoral joint OA evolution. The rare case of an atraumatic dislocation of the cemented femoral component of a UKA is presented together with a literature review and a microscopic analysis of the loosened component. Methods The case of a 60-years old man who suffered a UKA failure due to a complete loosening and migration of the cemented femoral component 5 months after its implantation is reported. A review of the literature pertaining early similar catastrophic failures is discussed. Furthermore a stereo-microscopic and scanning electronic microscopic evaluation of the femoral component was performed. Results A UKA-to-TKA revision was performed. Septic loosening was ruled out and one-year follow up showed patient satisfaction with good clinical and radiographic results. Few cases of complete dislocation of the UKA femoral component are reported in the literature. Macro- and microscopic evaluation showed an almost completely smooth surface at the cemented surface of the posterior condyle of the femoral component.   Conclusions Whilst mobile bearing dislocation is a well-known complication of UKA, few cases of this potentially catastrophic complication are reported in the literature. Early UKA failure with complete implant loosening may be determined by a suboptimal cementing technique with inadequate cement penetration into the trabecular bone. In the present case, the absence of cement penetration into the posterior condyle may be one of the reason of the component dislocation after standing up starting with the knee in a highly flexed position.

Outcomes in arthroscopic surgery and proposal rehabilitative treatment in femoral acetabular impingement syndrome.

Background and aim of the work Femural Acetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a patologic condition that can lead to hip pain, functional limitation and stiffness. In the last few decades orthopedics and physiotherapists have improved both surgery and riabilitative treatment leading to a better and better treatment. The target of this paper il to verify the efficiency of an early and multimodal physiotherapic treatment after and arthroscopic surgery of the FAIS   Materials and Methods We performed arthroscopic treatment and rehabilitation on 19 patients with mean age of 37±8,3 years, 12 males and 7 females. Each patient has been evaluated preoperatively (T0), postoperatively after 6 week (T1) and after 3 months of follow up (T2), the assessment was carried out by: administration of the VAS and WOMAC score for pain and function and joint examination of active hip movement through an inertial sensor system.   Results VAS score shows a decrease of pain after 6 week (mean decrease was 36%) and after 3 months (mean decrease was 33%). WOMAC score shows an increase of the funcional performance of the hip after 3 weeks and after 3 months (in both phases the mean score increase of the 44%) At last, the analysis of the active movement and of the hip joint showed a generalized increase in all movements both 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery, in particular for flexion (with the knee flexed) and internal rotation movements. of the hip.   Conclusion The results of this study are in line with the current scientific literature and the protocol used represents a valid tool to complete the surgical treatment. The proposal of an early, intensive treatment combined with hydrokinesitherapy seems to be safe and effective, however further studies are needed (increasing the sample size) to investigate the results.

Are vascular grafts at risk of occlusion after total hip replacement? A systematic review of the literature.

Vascular complications during and after total hip replacement are relatively uncommon despite the close relationship between the involved structures. Previous surgical procedure of arterial reconstruction or substitution may be at higher risk of damage due to the modification in the anatomical landmarks or to the mechanical properties of the grafts different from native vessels. In literature few cases of graft occlusion or failure are reported during or soon after a total hip replacement. The aim of this review is to report them highlighting common features and risk factors.

Kinetic and Kinematic analysis of ACL reconstruction in association with lateral-extrarticular tenodesis of the knee in revision surgery: a pilot study.

Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are a very frequent surgery. The key role of the anterolateral ligament in the knee rotational stability has been undelighted in recent years. Extra-articular tenodesis in association with ACL reconstructions, serves to eliminate anterolateral rotatory instability. The aim of our study is to compare treated knees with the contralateral uninjured knee in those cases whom been treated with ACL arthroscopic reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis in revision surgery, and evaluate clinical results with kinematic and kinetic examinations methods. Materials and methods Sixteen patients (10 males and 6 females) with ages from 21 to 37 had been treated at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Udine for failure of previous ACL reconstruction. In all patients was performed ACL arthroscopic reconstruction with the association of a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (Coker-Arnold). We have decided to asses the patients at one year after surgery with GNRB arthrometer and Bioval inertial sensor system. Results All patients treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis have regained pre-injury sagittal knee stability and gait dynamics.

Treatment options for massive rotator cuff tears: a narrative review.

The treatment of massive rotator cuff tears poses a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The prevalence of massive rotator cuff tears is 40% of all rotator cuff tears. Compared with smaller tears, massive rotator cuff tears are often complicated by structural failure and poor outcomes and present a higher rate of recurrent tearing after surgical repair. Several management options are available but the selection of the most appropriate treatment for each patient can be challenging. To achieve the best outcomes, the orthopedic surgeon should have a good understanding of the indications, the pathomechanics and the clinical outcomes of the various treatment modalities. Treatment options include non-operative management, arthroscopic debridement with a biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, complete or partial repair, patch augmentation, superior capsular reconstruction, muscle/tendon transfer and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to review treatment options and clinical outcomes for the management of massive rotator cuff tears.

Cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic condition. The use of total shoulder arthroplasty in these patients is very uncommon, with only two cases reported in the literature. This study describes a cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for a multi-fragmented fracture in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type 1 and aims to review literature results of shoulder replacement in patients affected by this uncommon condition. METHODS: the case of a woman affected by OI type 1 treated with a cementless rTSA for a multi-fragmented proximal humerus facture is reported. Focusing on the fixation technique, a research of all articles regarding the orthopaedic treatments in patients affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta was performed and compared to the techniques used in the unaffected population. RESULT: Our patient shows good results in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes at the short term follow up. Few studies treat the orthopaedic manifestation of this rare genetic condition and only two are focused on shoulder arthroplasty. Cement is the preferred method for fixation in both papers. CONCLUSION: Cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be an option in patients affected by OI type 1, although literature seems to support cement as the fixation method of choice.

Tracheal lesion during shoulder surgery: a case report and systemic review of the literature.

Pneumomediastinum (PNM) and pneumothorax (PNX) are documented complications of arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ATS). Plexus anesthetic block and tracheal lesions during endotracheal intubation are hypothesized to be the underlying risk factors; however, the actual evidence supporting this hypothesis is scarce.A case of bilateral laterocervical emphysema, subcutaneous edema, and signs of PNM after ATS performed under general anesthesia and supra-scapular nerve block is presented. An up-to-date systematic review of PNM/PNX during orthopedic surgery was performed, involving six databases: PubMed (1996-present), Embase (1974-present), Scopus (2004-present), SpringerLink (1950-present), Ovid Emcare (1995-present), and Google Scholar (2004-present).Twenty-five case studies met the eligibility criteria. In 24 cases, the patient underwent general anesthesia and orotracheal intubation; in 9 of these, a plexus anesthetic block was also performed. One case involved ATS under plexus anesthetic block only. In 10 cases, the diagnostic finding was PNM. In 5 cases, the diagnostic finding was associated with PNX. PNX was detected in 17 cases. In 2 cases, SE was found in the absence of any evidence of either PNM or PNX. A tracheal lesion was identified in 3 cases.Endotracheal intubation and loco-regional anesthesia are not the only predisposing risk factors at play in the pathogenesis of PNM/PNX. Rather, multi-factorial pathogenesis seems more probable, necessitating that specific attention is paid during ATS to the change in patient position on the operating bed, to any slipping of the endotracheal tube, to patient monitoring whilst under the drapes, and to the cuff pressure. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021260370.

Clinical and radiological outcomes with PEEK suture anchors used in rotator cuff repair: our experience confirm that a perianchor fluid signal on RM does not affect clinical outcome at one year of follow up.

Introduction / objectives  Osteolytic-type reactions of the perianchor bone which in magnetic resonance are manifested as hyperintensity of the signal in T2 images are reported in many studies. T  The objective of the present study is to evaluate and compare to the literature data the clinical and radiological results of a group of patients who underwent arthroscopic suture of a rotator cuff tear using polyetherketone (PEEK) suture anchors. Materials and methods Twenty patients, aged between 44 and 73 years, who underwent arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff for lesions smaller than 4 cm considered reparaible between August 2017 and January 2019, were enrolled in the present study. Patients were evaluated clinically with clinical examination, Constant scale and ASES scale pre and post surgery. MRI either pre and post operation at one year were evaluated to obtain data about tendon healing and evaluate bone reaction to PEEK anchors. Results: MRI analysis showed a tendon signal according to Sugaya classification of type 1 in the 25% of patients, type 2 in the 60% of cases and type 3 in the remaining 15% . Osteolysis was grade 0 in 65%, grade 1 in 30 % and grade 2 in 5% of cases. No anchors pull out or mobilization were reported. Conclusions: The presence of a T2 hyperintense signal osteolysis like on MRI control using PEEK anchors for the sutur of rotator cuff lesions does not find correlation whit the final clinical result of the procedure.

Capsular management in the arthroscopic treatment of the femoro-acetabular impingement in athletes: our experience.

Background and aim of the work  In the last decade arthroscopic treatment of hip diseases has significantly spread and evolved and currently it represents the gold standard for the treatment of femoral-acetabular impingement in athletes. The function of the joint capsule  has been better understood, opening a heated debate. The aim of the present retrospective study is to assess the influence of different capsulotomy techniques and a possible capsular suture role on the patient's functional outcome in a cohort of patients with femoral-acetabular impingement arthroscopically treated. Methods 36 patients (competitive athletes) treated with hip arthroscopy for femoral-acetabular impingement have been retrospectively enrolled  during a period of two years (2016-2018). Patients have been divided into three equivalent groups, 12 without a suitable capsular management (T-Capsulotomy technique), 12 performing a Longitudinal Capsulotomy but without a final suture and 12 treated with a conservative Longitudinal Capsulotomy and a capsular suture. Patient's post-operative functional outcome has been analysed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Hip Outcome Score-Activity of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Scale (HOS-SS). Return to sport. Results In our series there was no statistically significant difference in functional scores, however longitudinal capsulotomy seems to be associated with a higher percentage of return to sports activity (91,6% vs 75%). Conclusions The new longitudinal shape capsulotomy technique and a capsular suture with a single side-to-side stitch at the end of the procedure in athletes can positively influence the patient's functional outcome.

Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Associated With Lipogems® Intra-Articular Injection For The Treatment Of Varus Knee Osteoarthritis - Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a good choice in the treatment of varus knee medial osteoarthritis, with the restore of the correct mechanical axis of the lower limb. Autologous adipose derived stem cells (aASCs) are used in cartilage regeneration and in the treatment of early osteoarthritis. Aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze clinical (and radiological) results in two populations of patients with initial varus medial knee osteoarthritis, treated with HTO, with or without associated intra-articular injection of aASCs. METHODS: In this study we analyze 85 patients treated with HTO for varus knee osteoarthritis with or without Lipogems® intra-articular injection. It was used of a single model of HTO plate. No associated procedure was performed. RESULTS: Significant improvement in the daily life activity assessment (KOOS score) was observed in the group treated also with aASCs compared with group treated with isolated HTO. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest, in these patients, the surgical indication of an open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and simultaneous injection with aASCs associated procedure to improve cartilage regeneration, with clinical improvement.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: the role of lateral posterior tibial slope as a potential risk factor for failure.

Background and aim of the work Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an extremely frequent surgery. The analysis of anatomical factors is becoming increasingly important and the study of clinical, arthroscopic and radiological methods to evaluate and understand them aims to positively affect the patient's outcome. This work aims to analyze the role of Lateral Posterior Tibial Slope (LPTS) as a potential risk factor for ACL reconstruction failure Materials and Methods At the Clinic of Orthopedic of Udine, between November 2018 and August 2020, 47 revisions of the ACL were performed. We analyzed MRI scans with particular attention to the LPTS. Patient images were analyzed by a single senior orthopedic surgeon who was blinded to patient history, age and gender. Results Comparing with a value reported in literature as normal (LPTS estimated 6.5°) we see how the difference between the average LPTS values ​​in the sample is significantly higher than the normal values ​​(P <.0001). Furthermore, in our cohort, females show a LPTS  significantly higher than males (11,8° vs 8,7°; P <.005). Conclusion The data collected show how an increased posterior lateral tibial slope can be correlated with a higher risk of ACL reconstruction failure. The results are coherent with the literature. Our analysis is absolutely preliminary, but it is intended to be the starting point of a path that allows us to think of the reconstruction of the ACL as an intervention to be planned more carefully based on the individual characteristics of the patient.

All-suture anchors in arthroscopic acetabular labral repair: our experience.

BACKGROUND: Over the past years, the role of the acetabular labrum in hip joint biomechanics and its relations with joint health has been of particular interest. There is a good clinical improvement of patients in whom the acetabular labrum is preserved during arthroscopic hip surgery. The purpose of this study is to report the results of arthroscopic repair of labral tears at a medium term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all cases that underwent hip arthroscopy at our Institution from January 2013 until December 2018. There were 24 patients, 13 males and 11 females, and their mean age at the time of surgery was 29, 42 years (range, 19 to 43 years). All patients were treated by the same surgeon with an extracapsular OUT-IN approach. Suture was performed using a non-absorbable suture anchor all-suture. Clinical assessment was performed at December 2019 using a modified Harris hip score (mHHS), hip outcomes score activities of daily living (HOS ADL), hip outcomes score activities of sport scale (HOS SS). All patients with acetabular labrum injury had femoro-acetabular impingement. RESULTS: The mean overall values in the preoperative period were 67.21 ± 10.31 for mHHS, 70.04 ± 12.11 for HOS-ADL and 60.06 ± 14.58 for HOS -SS. The results obtained in the re-evaluations of patients in December 2019 with a mean follow-up of 38, 3 months (minimum 1 year) are on average 82.17 ± 11.36 for mHHS, 83.00 ± 12.80 for HOS-ADL and 76.09 ± 18.52 for HOS-SS. CONCLUSIONS: The progress of knowledge and the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic skills has led to a greater awareness of the importance of treating acetabular labrum tears. Arthroscopic treatment with suture appear to be a good option for these patients and we had encouraging results in our center.

Capsular closure after hip arthroscopy: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: In the last decade, arthroscopic treatment of hip diseases has significantly spread and evolved and currently it represents the gold standard for the treatment of femoral- acetabular impingement. In the recent years, the function of the joint capsule (and therefore the results of an arthroscopic capsulotomy) has been hugely developed, opening a heated debate. The Literature is still torn about the need for a capsular suture, but more recent studies are more oriented in its execution at the end of the surgical procedure. According to these recent studies, the joint capsule performs an essential function of primary stability, and its closure is therefore necessary to restore the native anatomy and physiology. Nevertheless, capsular management remains a controversial topic. This is a retrospective study with the aim of assessing the influence of capsular suture on the patient's functional outcome in a cohort of patients with femoral-acetabular impingement arthroscopically treated. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis is that an adequate capsular suture positively influences the patient's functional outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: 50 patients treated with hip arthroscopy for femoral-acetabular impingement have been retrospectively enrolled at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Academic Hospital of Udine during a period of two-years (2017-2018); collected data have been analysed and compared with a retrospective model. Patients have been divided into two equivalent groups, 25 treated with capsular suture, 25 without performing the suture. Patient's post-operative functional outcome has been analysed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Scale (HOS-SS). The functional outcome in patients where capsular sutures were performed was better than in non-sutured patients, in all three analysed scales. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular suture with a single side-to-side stitch at the end of the procedure can positively influence the patient's functional outcome.

Histological analysis of ACL reconstruction failures due to synthetic-ACL (LARS) ruptures.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an established surgical procedure. Synthetic ligaments represent an option for ACL reconstruction. Their popularity declined for the raising concerns due to re-ruptures, knee synovitis and early arthritis related to I and II generation artificial ligaments. The introduction of a III generation synthetic ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System-LARS) permitted renewed interest in the adoption of this kind of graft. Main purpose of our study was to describe the histological findings on samples obtained from a consecutive series of ACL revision surgeries due to LARS ACL reconstruction failures. Secondary aim was to determine the reason for LARS rupture. METHODS: In a period between 2016 and 2018 eleven patients underwent ACL revision surgery due to LARS ACL reconstruction failure. At the time of the arthroscopic procedure, samples of synovial membrane and remnants of the torn LARS were sent to the Pathological-Anatomy Institute of our Hospital for a histological analysis. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the synovial tissues confirmed the arthroscopic evidence of synovitis mainly characterized by chronic inflammation with predominance of multinucleated giant cells. The adoption of polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of brightly bi-refractive material (LARS wear particles) in the synovial tissue; at higher magnification wear debris were detected inside the cytoplasma of multi nucleated cells. The histological analysis of the removed LARS revealed a surrounding typical foreign body reaction with poor signs of fibrovascular ingrowth of the synthetic ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could not clearly advocate a unique mechanism of LARS-ACL reconstruction failure: biologic issues (poor tissue ingrowth) and mechanical issues (fibers properties and tunnel position) probably concur in a multi factorial manner. ACL reconstruction using artificial ligaments can not be considered a simple surgery. Artificial augments require some expertise and could therefore achieve better results if used by skilled sport surgeons other than trainees or low volume surgeons. The Authors believe that ACL reconstruction with synthetic devices still have restricted indications for selected patients (e.g. elderly patients who require a fast recovery, professional athlete, autologous tendons not available and/or refusing donor tendons). Our study arises additional suspicion on the unresponsiveness of synthetic fibers and claim some concern in the implantation of synthetic devices.