Integrative multiomics analysis of Premolis semirufa caterpillar venom in the search for molecules leading to a joint disease.

The joint disease called pararamosis is an occupational disease caused by accidental contact with bristles of the caterpillar Premolis semirufa. The chronic inflammatory process narrows the joint space and causes alterations in bone structure and cartilage degeneration, leading to joint stiffness. Aiming to determine the bristle components that could be responsible for this peculiar envenomation, in this work we have examined the toxin composition of the caterpillar bristles extract and compared it with the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in synovial biopsies of patients affected with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Among the proteins identified, 129 presented an average of 63% homology with human proteins and shared important conserved domains. Among the human homologous proteins, we identified seven DEGs upregulated in synovial biopsies from RA or OA patients using meta-analysis. This approach allowed us to suggest possible toxins from the pararama bristles that could be responsible for starting the joint disease observed in pararamosis. Moreover, the study of pararamosis, in turn, may lead to the discovery of specific pharmacological targets related to the early stages of articular diseases.

CD73 (Cluster of Differentiation 73) and the Differences Between Mice and Humans.

As vascular disease is complex and the various manifestations are influenced by differences in vascular bed architecture, exposure to shear and mechanical forces, cell types involved, and inflammatory responses, in vivo models are necessary to recapitulate the complex physiology and dynamic cellular interactions during pathogenesis. Murine knockout models are commonly used tools for investigators to study the role of a specific gene or pathway in multifaceted disease traits. Although valuable, these models are not perfect, and this is particularly true in regard to CD73 (cluster of differentiation 73), the extracellular enzyme that generates adenosine from AMP. At baseline, CD73-deficient mice do not present with an overt phenotype, whereas CD73-deficient humans present with the complex phenotype of vascular calcification, arteriomegaly and tortuosity, and calcification in small joints. In this review, we highlight the differences between the mouse and human systems and discuss the potential to leverage findings in mice to inform us on the human conditions.

In vitro antibacterial activity of bioactive glass S53P4 on multiresistant pathogens causing osteomyelitis and prosthetic joint infection.

BACKGROUND: Conventional local treatment for medullary osteomyelitis (OM) includes insertion of antibiotic-loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. Nevertheless, PMMA may delivery irregular concentration of antibiotic to surrounding tissue. We aimed to compare the in vitro antibacterial activity of Bioactive Glass (BAG) S53P4, which is a compound showing local antibacterial activity, to that of antibiotic-loaded PMMA against multidrug resistant bacteria from OM isolates. METHODS: We studied convenience samples of multidrug resistant (MDR) microorganisms obtained from patients presenting OM and prosthetic joint infection (PJI). Mixtures containing tryptic soy broth (TSB) and inert glass beads (2 mm), BAG-S53P4 granules (0.5-0.8 mm and < 45 mm) and Gentamicin or Vancomycin-loaded PMMA beads were inoculated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (MR-CoNS), Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Glass beads (2.0 mm) were used as a control. Antibacterial activity was evaluated by means of time-kill curve, through seeding the strains on blood agar plates, and subsequently performing colony counts after 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 168 h of incubation. Differences between groups were evaluated by means of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's t test. RESULTS: Inhibition of bacterial growth started soon after 48 h of incubation, reached zero CFU/ml between 120 and 168 h of incubation for both antibiotic-loaded PMMA and BAG S53P4 groups, in comparison with inert glass (p < 0.05). No difference regarding time-kill curves between antibiotic-loaded PMMA and BAG S53P4 was observed. CONCLUSIONS: BAG S53P4 presented antibacterial properties as much as antibiotic-loaded PMMA for MDR bacteria producing OM and PJI.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of paracoccidioidomycosis in the musculoskeletal system.

OBJECTIVE: To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in musculoskeletal paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). METHODS: Retrospective case series study after IRB approval. Two musculoskeletal radiologists reviewed in consensus the MRI findings of 11 patients with microbiologically and/or pathologically proven osteoarticular PCM. The MRI evaluation included discrimination of abnormalities in joints, bones and soft tissues. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 29 years (10-55 years), eight men and three women. Musculoskeletal involvement was the only or the primary presentation of the disease in seven patients (63%). Osteomyelitis was the most common presentation, with seven cases (63%). Primary arthritis was found in one patient (9%). Isolated extra-articular soft tissue PCM was found in three patients: myositis (2) and subcutaneous infection (1). All cases showed regions with signal intensity higher than or similar to the signal of muscle on T1-weighted images. Penumbra sign was present in five cases (45%). T2-weighted images showed reactive soft tissue oedema in eight cases (72%). Post-gadolinium images showed peripheral (8/9) or heterogeneous (1/9) enhancement. Synovial enhancement was present in all cases of joint involvement (6/6). Lipomatosis arborescens was documented in one case of chronic knee involvement. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case series describing MRI findings of musculoskeletal PCM. Musculoskeletal involvement was the primary presentation of the disease in most cases, and therefore, neoplasms were initially in the differential diagnosis. Osteomyelitis was the most common presentation, often with secondary involvement of joint and or soft tissue.

A naturally occurring single amino acid replacement in multiple gene regulator of group A Streptococcus significantly increases virulence.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common source of genetic variation within a species; however, few investigations demonstrate how naturally occurring SNPs may increase strain virulence. We recently used group A Streptococcus as a model pathogen to study bacteria strain genotype-patient disease phenotype relationships. Whole-genome sequencing of approximately 800 serotype M59 group A Streptococcus strains, recovered during an outbreak of severe invasive infections across North America, identified a disproportionate number of SNPs in the gene encoding multiple gene regulator of group A Streptococcus (mga). Herein, we report results of studies designed to test the hypothesis that the most commonly occurring SNP, encoding a replacement of arginine for histidine at codon 201 of Mga (H201R), significantly increases virulence. Whole transcriptome analysis revealed that the H201R replacement significantly increased expression of mga and 54 other genes, including many proven virulence factors. Compared to the wild-type strain, a H201R isogenic mutant strain caused significantly larger skin lesions in mice. Serial quantitative bacterial culture and noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging also demonstrated that the isogenic H201R strain was significantly more virulent in a nonhuman primate model of joint infection. These findings show that the H201R replacement in Mga increases the virulence of M59 group A Streptococcus and provide new insight to how a naturally occurring SNP in bacteria contributes to human disease phenotypes.

Pathogenesis and pathobiology of zoonotic brucellosis in humans.

Although human brucellosis has protean clinical manifestations, affected tissues usually exhibit signs of inflammation. The cellular and molecular bases of some immunopathological phenomena probably involved in the pathogenesis of infection with brucellae have been elucidated recently. Human osteoblasts and fibroblast-like synoviocytes produce cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases in response to infection with brucellae and/or to stimulation by brucellae-infected monocytes. In turn, released cytokines promote the secretion of the metalloproteinases and induce osteoclastogenesis. These phenomena may underlie the bone loss and cartilage degradation found in brucellar arthritis and osteomyelitis. Brucella abortus and its lipoproteins elicit an inflammatory response in the central nervous system of mice, leading to astrogliosis, a characteristic feature of neurobrucellosis. Brucellae can also replicate in human endothelial cells, inducing an inflammatory response with increased expression of chemokines, interleukin-6 and adhesion molecules. Persistent brucellar infection of the endothelium would support development of endocarditis and other vascular manifestations. Thus, although the inflammatory phenomena triggered by brucellae are relatively mild, they are long-lasting as a result of the prolonged intracellular persistence of the bacteria in infected tissues and eventually lead to tissue damage.

Characterization of joint disease in mucopolysaccharidosis type I mice.

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are lysosomal storage disorders characterized by mutations in enzymes that degrade glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Joint disease is present in most forms of MPS, including MPS I. This work aimed to describe the joint disease progression in the murine model of MPS I. Normal (wild-type) and MPS I mice were sacrificed at different time points (from 2 to 12 months). The knee joints were collected, and haematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the articular architecture. Safranin-O and Sirius Red staining was used to analyse the proteoglycan and collagen content. Additionally, we analysed the expression of the matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMP-2 and MMP-9, using immunohistochemistry. We observed progressive joint alterations from 6 months, including the presence of synovial inflammatory infiltrate, the destruction and thickening of the cartilage extracellular matrix, as well as proteoglycan and collagen depletion. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9, which could conceivably explain the degenerative changes. Our results suggest that the joint disease in MPS I mice may be caused by a degenerative process due to increase in proteases expression, leading to loss of collagen and proteoglycans. These results may guide the development of ancillary therapies for joint disease in MPS I.

Ligamento cruzado anterior mucoide: serie de casos y revisión bibliográfica / Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament. Case series and literature review

Introducción: Actualizar el cuadro de ligamento cruzado anterior mucoide y describir nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento quirúrgico. Materiales y métodos: Se analizan los aspectos clínicos y fisiopatológicos, los hallazgos por imágenes y el tratamiento quirúrgico, según las series publicadas. Además, se presenta un estudio retrospectivo con 27 pacientes (promedio de edad, 55 años ; rango 34-68 años), llevado a cabo entre 2004 y 2011. Para la evaluación de los pacientesse consideró el dolor, el rango de movilidad y la estabilidad. Se emplearon maniobras clínicas y el artrómetro KT-1000 para evaluar la estabilidad posoperatoria. Se realizaron radiografías y resonancia magnética preoperatorias y posoperatorias. Los resultados funcionales posoperatorios fueron evaluados con las escalas de Lysholm, IKDC, y la evaluación subjetiva del dolor. Se tomaron muestras para biopsia. Resultados: La escala de evaluación analógica del dolor mejoró un promedio de 6 puntos y el rango de movilidad, un promedio de 26°. La estabilidad de la rodilla no estaba comprometida. Las escalas de evaluación funcional arrojaron un IKDC de A en el 50 por ciento de los pacientes, de B en el 33 por ciento y de C en el 17 por ciento. El puntaje de Lysholm fue de 95. El resultado en la escala de evaluación subjetiva osciló entre muy bueno y excelente en la mayoría de los casos. No hubo complicaciones posoperatorias. Conclusiones: La resonancia magnética es el estudio por imágenes para el diagnóstico preoperatorio; los hallazgos son característicos y no deben confundirse con desgarros del ligamento cruzado anterior. El diagnóstico definitivo es histológico. Creemos que el tratamiento artroscópico es eficaz, reproducible y tiene una baja tasa de complicaciones.(AU)

Ligamento cruzado anterior mucoide: serie de casos y revisión bibliográfica / Mucoid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament. Case series and literature review

Introducción: Actualizar el cuadro de ligamento cruzado anterior mucoide y describir nuestra experiencia en el diagnóstico y el tratamiento quirúrgico. Materiales y métodos: Se analizan los aspectos clínicos y fisiopatológicos, los hallazgos por imágenes y el tratamiento quirúrgico, según las series publicadas. Además, se presenta un estudio retrospectivo con 27 pacientes (promedio de edad, 55 años ; rango 34-68 años), llevado a cabo entre 2004 y 2011. Para la evaluación de los pacientesse consideró el dolor, el rango de movilidad y la estabilidad. Se emplearon maniobras clínicas y el artrómetro KT-1000 para evaluar la estabilidad posoperatoria. Se realizaron radiografías y resonancia magnética preoperatorias y posoperatorias. Los resultados funcionales posoperatorios fueron evaluados con las escalas de Lysholm, IKDC, y la evaluación subjetiva del dolor. Se tomaron muestras para biopsia. Resultados: La escala de evaluación analógica del dolor mejoró un promedio de 6 puntos y el rango de movilidad, un promedio de 26°. La estabilidad de la rodilla no estaba comprometida. Las escalas de evaluación funcional arrojaron un IKDC de A en el 50 por ciento de los pacientes, de B en el 33 por ciento y de C en el 17 por ciento. El puntaje de Lysholm fue de 95. El resultado en la escala de evaluación subjetiva osciló entre muy bueno y excelente en la mayoría de los casos. No hubo complicaciones posoperatorias. Conclusiones: La resonancia magnética es el estudio por imágenes para el diagnóstico preoperatorio; los hallazgos son característicos y no deben confundirse con desgarros del ligamento cruzado anterior. El diagnóstico definitivo es histológico. Creemos que el tratamiento artroscópico es eficaz, reproducible y tiene una baja tasa de complicaciones.

The role of PAF/PAFR signaling in zymosan-induced articular inflammatory hyperalgesia.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its receptor (PAFR) have been shown to be involved in several inflammatory events, including neutrophil chemoattraction and nociception. The present study addressed the role of PAF in the genesis of articular hyperalgesia in a model of joint inflammation. Zymosan-induced articular hyperalgesia, oedema and neutrophil migration were dose-dependently reduced following pretreatment with selective PAFR antagonists, UK74505 (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) and PCA4248 (3, 10, 30 mg/kg). These parameters were also reduced in PAF receptor-deficient mice (PAFR(-/-)). The hyperalgesic action of PAF was further confirmed by the demonstration that joint injection of PAF induces a dose- (0.3, 1 and 3 µg/joint), time- and PAFR-dependent articular hyperalgesia and oedema. The PAF hyperalgesic mechanisms were dependent on prostaglandins, leukotrienes and neutrophils, as PAF-induced articular hyperalgesia was inhibited by indomethacin (COX inhibitor), MK886 (leukotrienes synthesis inhibitor) or fucoidan (leukocyte rolling inhibitor). Furthermore, PAF-induced hyperalgesia was reduced in 5-lypoxigenase-null mice. In corroboration of these findings, intra-articular injection of PAF promotes the production of LTB(4) as well as the recruitment of neutrophils to the joint. These results suggest that PAF may participate in the cascade of events involved in the genesis of articular inflammatory hyperalgesia via stimulation of prostaglandins, leukotrienes and neutrophil migration. Finally, targeting PAF action (e.g., with a PAFR antagonist) might provide a useful therapeutic approach to inhibit articular inflammatory hyperalgesia.

Locked knee caused by lateral meniscal capsular disruption: verification by magnetic resonance imaging and arthroscopy.

Locking of the knee is commonly reported in patients presenting to an orthopedic surgeon. This case report describes a rare cause of knee locking: subluxation of the lateral meniscus without an associated tear. This case highlights the importance of the popliteus recess in stability of the lateral meniscus. Injury to this area may lead to meniscal subluxation and knee locking.

An experimental study to compare inflammatory response due to liquid or gas joint distension in horses submitted to arthroscopy / Estudo experimental para comparar a resposta inflamatória decorrente da distensão líquida ou gasosa em cavalos submetidos à artroscopia

PURPOSE: To assess comparatively the inflammatory response that follows CO2 or Ringer's lactate joint capsular distension of horses submitted to experimental arthroscopy METHODS: Each animal was submitted to a bilateral tarsocrural arthroscopy employing gas distention in one joint and fluid distention in the contralateral joint. Synovial fluid was evaluated at 0, six, 12, 24 and 48 hours post-operative. RESULTS: The use of CO2 for arthroscopy causes an acute and mild synovitis alike to the liquid capsular distension, showing similar synovial fluid increase of leukocytes, TP, and TNF-α. Although synovial fluid PGE2 content was higher in joints submitted to CO2 distension, lower levels of hemoglobin and leukocytes oxidative burst after surgery indicates that CO2 arthroscopy decreased intra-articular bleeding and activation of infiltrating leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CO2 for arthroscopic examination causes acute and mild synovitis that is similar to the effects caused by the liquid capsular distension. CO2 also seems to decrease intra-articular bleeding and activation of leukocytes.(AU)

OBJETIVO: Avaliar comparativamente a resposta inflamatória decorrente da distensão líquida ou gasosa em cavalos submetidos ao exame artroscópico. MÉTODOS: Cada animal foi submetido a uma artroscopia bilateral tarsocrural empregando uma distensão com gás em uma articulação e líquido na articulação contralateral. O líquido sinovial foi avaliado as zero, seis, 12, 24 e 48 horas do pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A utilização de CO2 para a artroscopia provoca uma sinovite aguda e leve tal como a distensão capsular por líquido, mostrando um aumento similar de leucócitos, TP (proteína total) e TNF-a. Embora no líquido sinovial a quantidade de PGE2 tenha sido maior nas articulações submetidas à distensão por CO2, níveis mais baixos de hemoglobina e explosão oxidativa de leucócitos após a cirurgia indica que a artroscopia com CO2 diminuiu o sangramento intra-articular e ativação de leucócitos. CONCLUSÕES: A utilização de CO2 para exame artroscópico provoca uma sinovite aguda e leve que são semelhantes aos efeitos causados pela distensão capsular por líquido. O CO2 também parece diminuir o sangramento intra-articular e a ativação de leucócitos.(AU)

Bilateral osteochondrosis of lateral femoral condyles: case report and literature review.

Osteochondrosis is an injury on subchondral ossification with predominance of immature skeleton and whose etiology remains unknown. It may affect the femoral condyles (usually the medial condyle) and the involvement is mostly unilateral. The authors draw the attention to this usually late diagnosis due to its infrequent occurrence and report a child's rare case of bilateral osteochondrosis on lateral femoral condyles, stressing that just one similar case has been described in the orthopaedic literature up to the present time.

Osteocondrose bilateral de côndilos femorais laterais: relato de caso e revisão da literatura / Bilateral osteochondrosis of lateral femoral condyles: case report and literature review

A osteocondrose é uma falha na ossificação subcondral com predileção pelo esqueleto imaturo e cuja etiologia permanece indefinida. Pode afetar os côndilos femorais (geralmente o medial), e o acometimento é, na maioria, unilateral. Os autores chamam a atenção desse diagnóstico, geralmente tardio por sua ocorrência infrequente, e relatam o caso raro de uma criança com osteocondrose bilateral de côndilos femorais laterais, ressaltando que, até o presente momento, apenas um caso semelhante foi descrito na literatura.

Osteochondrosis is an injury on subchondral ossification with predominance of immature skeleton and whose etiology remains unknown. It may affect the femoral condyles (usually the medial condyle) and the involvement is mostly unilateral. The authors draw the attention to this usually late diagnosis due to its infrequent occurrence and report a child's rare case of bilateral osteochondrosis on lateral femoral condyles, stressing that just one similar case has been described in the orthopaedic literature up to the present time.

MRI of the knee in asymptomatic adolescent swimmers: a controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Swimming is a widespread sporting activity generally regarded as an ideal form of exercise, which has little or no impact on the knees. However, overuse or repetitive microtrauma injuries may often affect the knee joint of young competitive swimmers. These early lesions are frequently asymptomatic for a considerable period of time before causing discomfort or joint pain. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study is to use MRI to evaluate the knee joints of asymptomatic young elite swimmers and to compare them with age- and sex-matched controls who do not practice any impact sports regularly. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional case-control study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors performed a cross-sectional controlled study to evaluate 54 knees of 27 asymptomatic male adolescents aged 14-15 years, paired by age and weight. Participants were divided in two groups: 13 elite swimmers and 14 control adolescents. The authors performed all the exams using a 0.35-T open-field MRI unit and evaluated by two experienced radiologists blinded to study groups. The images were evaluated to detect the presence or absence of abnormalities. RESULTS: One or more imaging abnormalities were detected in 18 knees in the group of swimmers (69.2%; p=0.013). The most prevalent findings in the athletes were infrapatellar fat pad edema (53.8%; p=0.049), followed by bone marrow edema (26.9%; p=0.022), edema of prefemoral fat pad (19%; p=0.022) and joint effusion (15.3%; p=0.047). CONCLUSION: Significantly more MRI abnormalities were found in the knee joints of asymptomatic adolescent elite swimmers. This high prevalence of positive imaging findings in swimmers may correspond to benign changes or preclinical lesions, which should be evaluated in a follow-up study.

Enxerto estruturado no tratamento das perdas ósseas femorais em artroplastias de quadril infectadas / Structural allograft in the treatment of femoral bone loss in infected hip arthroplasty

Foram submetidos ao tratamento em dois tempos cirúrgicos 17 pacientes com infecções crônicas em próteses de quadril e perda óssea circunferencial do fêmur proximal, consistindo da realização, no primeiro tempo, da retirada dos componentes e materiais infectados e colocação de espaçador de cimento com vancomicina e, no segundo tempo, da reconstrução do estoque ósseo com enxerto maciço da região proximal do fêmur e fixação da prótese através de hastes longas cimentadas ao enxerto e cimentas (dez hastes) ou não (sete hastes) no fêmur hospedeiro. Após nove anos de seguimento, em média (mínimo de sete anos), apenas um caso evoluiu com recidiva infecciosa. Todos os enxertos apresentaram sinais de consolidação radiográfica com o osso hospedeiro. Não houve solturas dos componentes femorais. Funcionalmente os pacientes melhoraram, embora a maioria deambule com marcha de Trendelemburg. O enxerto maciço de fêmur proximal se apresentou como uma técnica segura e reprodutível para o tratamento das falhas ósseas após artroplastia infectada de quadril.

Clinical and ultrasonographic correlation between scapular dyskinesia and subacromial space measurement among junior elite tennis players.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the hypothesis that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than non-athletes was investigated. Additionally, the correlation between the size of the subacromial space and abnormalities in scapular movement during arm abduction was studied. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 53 elite tennis players and 20 control participants were enrolled in the study. Participation was restricted to elite-level, junior tennis players who had no current shoulder pain or history of shoulder injuries. INTERVENTION: Each individual was examined for scapular dyskinesia by a single physician and by ultrasound, with the results analysed in a blind fashion by a single radiologist. RESULTS: 43.4% of the tennis players and 20% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia. Of the 106 shoulders evaluated, 39.6% of tennis players and 10% of control participants presented with scapular dyskinesia in the clinical examination (p = 0.005). Ultrasonographic measurements demonstrated that tennis players presented statistically smaller subacromial spaces compared with control participants (p<0.001). A decrease in the subacromial space was observed in tennis players when the shoulder was raised from 0 degrees to 60 degrees of abduction; however, dyskinesia-afflicted athletes demonstrated a significantly greater decrease following this movement (19.3 vs 13.8 mm, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that tennis players with scapular dyskinesia present a smaller subacromial space than control participants. Furthermore, when the shoulder was analysed dynamically, moving from neutral abduction to 60 degrees of elevation, the tennis players with scapular dyskinesia presented a greater reduction in the subacromial space compared with unaffected athletes.

Stiff skin syndrome versus scleroderma: a report of two cases.

Stiff skin syndrome is a rare cutaneous disease, scleroderma-like disorder that presents in infancy or early childhood with rock-hard skin, limited joint mobility, and mild hypertrichosis. Normally, it occurs in the absence of visceral or muscle involvement. Patients do not present immunologic abnormalities or vascular hyperactivity. We describe two adults who initially were diagnosed suffering from scleroderma but fit criteria for stiff skin syndrome. A review of the clinical range of this disorder and discussion of the differential diagnosis with scleroderma is presented.

Proximal femoral reconstructions with bone impaction grafting and metal mesh.

Extensive circumferential proximal cortical bone loss is considered by some a contraindication for impaction bone grafting in the femur. We asked whether reconstruction with a circumferential metal mesh, impacted bone allografts, and a cemented stem would lead to acceptable survival in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients (15 hips) with severe proximal femoral bone defects (average, 12 cm long; 14 type IV and one type IIIB using the classification of Della Valle and Paprosky) reconstructed with this method. The minimum followup was 20 months (average, 43.2 months; range, 20-72 months). Preoperative Merle D'Aubigné and Postel score averaged 4.8 points. With revision of the stem as the end point, the survivorship of the implant was 100% at one year and 86.6% at 72 months. The mean functional score at last followup was 14.4 points. We observed two fractures of the metal mesh at 31 and 48 months in cases reconstructed with a stem that did not bypass the mesh. Dislocation (3 cases) and acute deep infection (3 cases) were the most frequent complications. Patients with complete absence of the proximal femur may be candidates for biological proximal femoral reconstructions using this salvage procedure. Bone impaction grafting must be a routine technique if this method is selected.