Deflazacort and Nevridol 800 to prevent acute carpal tunnel syndrome in adult distal radius fractures.

Aim Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) is a well-recognized and common condition following a distal radius fracture. The aim of this study was to test deflazacort associated with Nevridol®800 or deflazacort alone in order to prevent moderate or severe ACTS after the distal radius fracture in adults. Methods Sixty-four patients suffering from extraarticular wrist fractures were divided into three groups. The first group (n=26) was treated by plaster cast. The second group (n=20) was treated by cast and deflazacort (heterocyclic glucocorticoids prodrug belonging to the class of oxazoline steroids) 30 mg/day for 15 days. The third group (n=18) was treated by cast and deflazacort 30 mg/ day for 15 days + Nevridol (food supplements) 800 mg a day for 40 days. The criteria to evaluate the patients were: the complication of ACTS, the duration of symptoms, the functional results were evaluated according to The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) life correlated with wrist function by the Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12), and positive Tinel and Phalen test. The correlation between ACTS signs and volar tilt in the latero-lateral at X-rays in the three studied groups was assessed. The endpoints were set on 7 days, 15 days, 1 months, 2 months and 3 months after a trauma. Results In the first group, 12 of 26 (46.15%) and the second group 7 of 20 (35%) patients suffered from ACTS, while in the third group only two of 18 (11%) patients (p=0.033). After 3 months of treatment, the third group had better results in DASH (p=0.034), SF-12 (p=0.044), Tinel (0.045) and Phalen (0.048) tests. Conclusion Deflazacort associated with Nevridol 800 may reduce the prevalence of postoperative median nerve dysfunction.

The ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C vs bromelainvitamin C to prevent ankle complications in post-operative bimalleolar surgery.

Aim To investigate whether the use of ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C or bromelain-vitamin C is the best to prevent ankle complications in post operative bimalleolar surgery. Methods A total of 61 patients treated with bimalleolar surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: the first group (n=22) treated only with the surgery, the second group (n=18) treated by ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C, and the third group (n=21) was treated with bromelain-vitamin C. All patients in the second and third group underwent adjuvant therapy for 50 days. The criteria to evaluate the three groups during the clinical and radiological follow-up were as follows: complications and soft tissue status. Bone healing measured by the Radiographic Union Score Ankle (RUSA), and functional results were evaluated according to the American Foot & Ankle Score (AFAS). Results In the first group nine (out of 22; 40.90%) patients developed complications, in the second group three (out of 18; 16.67%) and in the third group seven (out of 21; 33.33%) presented complications. There is no statistical difference between the three groups regarding the type of fractures, mean age, gender ratio. The worst radiographic and stiffness results in the first group were found (p=0.006). The second group showed better bone healing (p=0.049), better performance in functional recovery measured by AFAS (p=0.039). Conclusion Ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C group showed better outcomes to improve the functional outcome; it allows reduction of complications, consequently, an early return to quality life, and a corresponding improvement of the quality of life.

Common inflammatory markers in the screening of knee arthroprosthesis infections.

Aim To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in early and late total knee arthroplasty (TKA) infections. Methods Blood tests to determine CRP levels (cut-off 10 mg/L)were conducted before surgery, at 1st day, 7th day and 15th day after surgery and at 1, 3, 6,12, 24 and 36 months. Patients had routine follow-up visits and radiological evaluations at 14 days and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months. Infections were recorded and classified according to Widmer classification. The χ2 test or Fisher (in subgroups smaller than 10 patients) exact test was used to compare categorical variables. The statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results A total of 19 infections were diagnosed during the followup. According to Widmer, five were classified as early post-operative and 14 as late chronic. All patients with early infections had suspected symptoms such as fever, swelling and pain. During the first month, 59 patients who had high CRP level but negative microbiological culture were considered as false positive representing a CRP sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 67.6%. Fourteen patients had late chronic infection. Conclusion This study suggests that a synovial fluid aspiration should be performed in patients with persistent inflammation symptoms with or without radiographic signs of loosening. Moreover, it recommends the use of different serum and synovial tests for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis.

Outcomes at 2 years follow-up of sacral fractures associated with unstable vertical pelvic ring injuries in obese patients: a multicentric retrospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sacral fractures with concomitant unstable pelvic ring injuries are severe conditions which occur in patients involved in high-energy trauma. When operative treatment is required, high surgical experience on the field is mandatory, especially in a sub-polpulation of obese patients which have increased risk of complications. The aim of this multicentric retroscpective study was to describe and analyze clinical and radiological outcomes of sacral vertical fractures in obese patients with a minimum of 2 years follow-up.   Methods: A total of 121 pelvic fractures admitted to Emergency Departments of three II level trauma centres from April 2015 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, injury mechanism, surgical data and complications were collected. The quality of life and the pelvic function were respectively measured by SF-12 questionnaires, Denis Work Scale and Majeed Score. The inter-rater agreement between the clinical scores and the Denis Work Scale was assessed.   Results: A total of 19 patients were included in the study. The average follow up was 41.16 months. The average BMI was 38.63 and the mean abdominal circumference was 128.10 cm. The average Majeed and SF-12 scores were respectively 66.47 and 74.32. Five patients were able to return to their previous employment. The post traumatic life's quality and related dysfunctions are influenced by the high BMI.   Conclusions: Faster recovery and early weight-bearing should be persued in order to minimize complications, expecially in obese patients. In these sample of patients, "triangular osteosynthesis" was the best treatment choice for sacral vertical fractures.

Correlation between traumatic pelvic ring injuries and sexual dysfunctions: a multicentric retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Among the functional impairments associated with pelvic ring injuries (PRI), sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common clinical issue. The aim of this study is to investigate correlations between traumatic PRI, genitourinary, and sexual dysfunctions, for a proper multidisciplinary treatment. METHODS: We performed an observational, multicentric study, from January 2020 to 2022. We conducted a follow-up after surgery at three, six, 12, and 24 months by measuring the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Majeed Score, and the SF-12. Descriptive statistics was conducted on T-test, Whelc's test, and one-way ANOVA which were performed when appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 76 patients (mean age 42.17 ± 15 years) were included in the study and allocated into three groups (A, B, and C). Tile A group revealed good sexual outcomes, similar to that of healthy patients. Tile B group demonstrated worsen SD than the previous group. In Tile C group, there was a longer average duration of the orthopaedic surgery when compared to group B. However, in terms of SDs, statistical significance could not be demonstrated between groups C and B. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a progressive spontaneous recovery of sexual function, corresponding to each PRI group. Moreover, men classified as B2 had milder SDs than B1 male patients.

Interprosthetic and interimplant femoral fractures: is bone strut allograft augmentation with ORIF a validity alternative solution in elderly?

Background: Nowadays orthopedic surgeons have a new challenge to treat the interimplants fractures. Although fixation strategies exist for periprosthetic hip and knee fractures, there is no standard of care regarding the more complex interprosthetic and interimplants fractures. Objective: The aim of our study is targeting the focus on the bone strut grafting to avoid the metal hardware failure and to achieve the bone healing in these injuries. Methods: A prospective case note review of all interprosthetic or interimplants femoral fractures admitted to our trauma center. There were 11 patients (2 males and 9 females) with a mean age over 85 years old. We treated all the patients by ORIF and medial graft strut allograft to reduce the main complication leading to re-operations and morbidity or mortality is the nonunion or delayed union. The criteria to evaluate the patients during the follow-up were: the survival and complication after the surgery; the objective quality of life measured by Activities of Daily Living Score (ADL). The bone healing was measured by X-rays control as the alignment was measured by radiographic UNION SCORE, and postoperative complications. Results: All the patients reduced their ADL. In the most of cases we had a good x-rays reduction. We had not: No nonunion or Not delayed union. All patients died within 2 years from the surgery but not due by surgical complications. Conclusions: According us, the purpose of this surgery is to limit comorbidities and early mortality not to improve optimal restoration of lower limb function.

Treatment of Unstable Elbow Injuries with a Hinged Elbow Fixator: Subjective and Objective Results.

Introduction: Injuries around the elbow pose a challenging problem for orthopaedic surgeons. The complex bony architecture of the joint should be restored and the thin soft tissue envelope needs to be handled with meticulous care. Elbow instability is a complication seen after dislocations and fractures of the elbow and remains a treatment challenge. The purpose of this study was to provide subjective and objective results following the surgical treatment of unstable elbow dislocations with an external hinged fixation technique. Methods: Forty-six consecutive patients with complex trauma of the elbow with instability after ligament reconstruction were enrolled between January 2017 and December 2019. The parameters used to quantify the subjective and objective functional results were the Mayo Elbow Score (MES, objective) and Oxford Elbow Score (OES, subjective), and clinical stability of the elbow joint. We also performed a radiological follow-up of the fractures. Results: The mean MES and OES scores were good at the 12-month follow-up. We had 38 patients with stable joints and 8 patients with minor instability. Using the stress test, we saw a significant difference in the affected joint under varus stress (6.7 ± 1.8 mm) compared to the healthy joint (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) laterally. Furthermore, medially the gap was significantly larger (5.8 ± 0.8 mm, treated elbow) than the contralateral gap under valgus stress (4.3 ± 0.8 mm) (p <0.001). Twenty-one complications occurred in 46 patients (46%): Seven patients had a clinical change of elbow axis: Three valgus (6%), four varus (9%); Superficial wound infection occurred in one case (2%) and ulnar nerve dysfunction in two (4%). The most common medium-term complication was post-traumatic osteoarthritis in eight cases (17%). Heterotopic ossification occurred in five patients (11%) and elbow stiffness in five cases (11%). Conclusion: The use of the hinged elbow external fixator in the treatment of complex elbow trauma is a valid therapeutic adjunct to ligamentous reconstruction showing encouraging results with acceptable complications. How to cite this article: Meccariello L, Caiaffa V, Mader K, et al. Treatment of Unstable Elbow Injuries with a Hinged Elbow Fixator: Subjective and Objective Results. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2022;17(2):68-73.

Dexamethasone and Nutraceutical Therapy Can Reduce the Myalgia Due to COVID-19 - a Systemic Review of the Active Substances that Can Reduce the Expression of Interlukin-6.

Background: Myalgia reflects generalized inflammation and cytokine response and can be the onset symptom of 36% of patients with COVID-19. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) levels in plasma and upper respiratory secretions directly correlate with the magnitude of viral replication, fever, and respiratory and systemic symptoms, including musculoskeletal clinical manifestations. Objective: The aim of our work is to report literature scientific investigation clinical protocol to reduce the immunomodulation and inflammatory response nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone and how can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19. Methods: We searched in Pubmed and Cochrane the nautriceutical drugs to treat the immune modulation of organism to COVID-19. We put these keywords: immune inflammation, desease descriptions, epidemiology COVID-19; immunomodulations; IL-6; Rheumatic Symptoms; Joint; Musculoskeletal Disorders; dexamethasone; Polydatin; Zinc; Melatonin; N- Acetyl Cysteine; Colostrum; L- Glutamine; Vitamin D3. Results: We found 61 papers. All the authors analyze them. After the Analyze we suggest the use of response nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19. Conclusion: According the scientific literature nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19.

Obesity and Bone: A Complex Relationship.

There is a large literature on the relationship between obesity and bone. What we can conclude from this review is that the increase in body weight causes an increase in BMD, both for a mechanical effect and for the greater amount of estrogens present in the adipose tissue. Nevertheless, despite an apparent strengthening of the bone witnessed by the increased BMD, the risk of fracture is higher. The greater risk of fracture in the obese subject is due to various factors, which are carefully analyzed by the Authors. These factors can be divided into metabolic factors and increased risk of falls. Fractures have an atypical distribution in the obese, with a lower incidence of typical osteoporotic fractures, such as those of hip, spine and wrist, and an increase in fractures of the ankle, upper leg, and humerus. In children, the distribution is different, but it is not the same in obese and normal-weight children. Specifically, the fractures of the lower limb are much more frequent in obese children. Sarcopenic obesity plays an important role. The authors also review the available literature regarding the effects of high-fat diet, weight loss and bariatric surgery.

The Bisaccia and Meccariello technique in pediatric femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary titanium nail osteosynthesis linked external-fixator (IOLE): validity and reliability.

BACKGROUND: Over the last 20 years, the incidence of pediatric femoral shaft fractures was increased, due to changes in the children's daily activities. The healing times are different according to the chosen treatment and to other factors such as age, type of fracture, the involvement of the soft tissues, and concomitance with other injuries. The Bisaccia and Meccariello technique ( Intramedullary titanium nail Osteosynthesis Linked External-fixator -IOLE) was born to prevent rotationally and lengthening malunion or nonunion in the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. The aim or the objective of this paper is to compare the IOLE with the two most used methods for the treatment of femoral fractures in children. METHODS: From 2000 to 2016, 58 pediatric patients with femoral shaft fractures were surgically treated and enrolled in the study. The ranged age of the patients was between 3 and 15 years. Twenty-two patients were treated with endomedullary titanium nails (TEN), 16 with external axial or modular external fixators and 14 patients treated with IOLE technique. The IOLE technique is the hybridization of titanium intramedullary nails with a modular external fixator. It is divided into three phases, the first revenue given the length of the femur with the external fixator; the second, the rotations are dominated by the elastic nails; and the third finally they are hybridized on the external fixator. Comparing the three groups, radiographic images were taken to assess fracture reduction and consolidation.  RESULTS: At the final follow-up, there were no differences between three groups in terms of significant rotation defects, angulation, growth, and/or nonunion but there was a statistical in IOLE groups for the early weight-bearing. CONCLUSIONS: The Bisaccia- Meccariello technique (IOLE) showed to lead to healing the pediatric femoral shaft fracture of the femur but allows an early weight-bearing to these patients and normal life like that.

Locking retrograde nail, non-locking retrograde nail and plate fixation in the treatment of distal third femoral shaft fractures: radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Distal third femoral shaft fractures are characterized by increasing incidence and complexity and are still considered a challenging problem (high morbidity and mortality). No consensus on best surgical option has been achieved. This study aims to investigate radiographic, mineral bone densitometry and clinical outcomes of locking retrograde intramedullary (LRN) nailing, non-locking retrograde intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plate to surgically treat distal third femoral shaft fractures in young adults. Our hypothesis was that there is no significant statistical difference among the surgical options in terms of results (radiographic, bone densitometry and outcomes assessment). METHODS: Retrospective study: 90 patients divided into three groups (group 1 LRN, group 2 NLRN, group 3 plating). Average age was respectively 42.67 (± 18.32), 44.27 (± 15.11) and 42.84 (± 18.32) years. Sex ratio F:M was respectively 2.75, 2.33 and 2.00. AO Classification, KOOS, NUSS and RUSH score, VAS, DEXA scans and plain radiographs were used. Evaluation endpoint: 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in terms of surgery time, transfusions, and wound healing. Results were similar with regard to average time of bone healing, RUSH scores, VAS, KOOS, regression between RUSH and VAS, average correlation clinical-radiographic results and patients outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no statistical difference in the use of LNR, NLNR and plating for treatment of distal third femur shaft fractures in terms of radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes. Good subjective and objective results are provided by all three techniques. The choice among the studied techniques must be based on surgeons' experience, indications and subjective patients' aspects. The absence of relevant similar data in the published literature does not allow definitive validation (or rejection) of our hypothesis. A more powered study with a bigger cohort is needed for definitive validation.

Epidemiology and aetiology of male and female sexual dysfunctions related to pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and disruption of the lumbosacral plexus, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal system. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic literature review on male and female sexual dysfunctions related to traumatic lesions of the pelvic ring. METHODS: Scopus, Cochrane Library MEDLINE via PubMed, and Embase were searched using the keywords: "Pelvic fracture," "Pelvic Ring Fracture," "Pelvic Ring Trauma," "Pelvic Ring injury," "Sexual dysfunction," "Erectile dysfunction," "dyspareunia," and their MeSH terms in any possible combination. The following questions were formulated according to the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O)) scheme: Do patients suffering from pelvic fracture (P) report worse clinical outcomes (C), in terms of sexual function (O), when urological injury occurs (I)? Is the sexual function (O) influenced by the type of fracture (I)? RESULTS: After screening 268 articles by title and abstract, 77 were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 17 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Overall, 1364 patients (902 males and 462 females, M/F ratio: 1.9) suffering from pelvic fractures were collected. DISCUSSION: Pelvic fractures represent challenging entities, often concomitant with systemic injuries and subsequent morbidity. Anatomical consideration, etiology, correlation between sexual dysfunction and genitourinary lesions, or pelvic fracture type were investigated. CONCLUSION: There are evidences in the literature that the gravity and frequency of SD are related with the pelvic ring fracture type. In fact, patients with APC, VS (according Young-Burgess), or C (according Tile) fracture pattern reported higher incidence and gravity of SD. Only a week association could be found between GUI and incidence and gravity of SD, and relationship between surgical treatment and SD. Electrophysiological tests should be routinely used in patient suffering from SD after pelvic ring injuries.

Relapses of traumatic peroneal tendons subluxation already treated surgically: a new surgical approach.

Aim To illustrate the surgical treatment of relapses of traumatic peroneal tendons subluxation. Methods We came across a young woman, who sustained a sprain in her dominant ankle after a trauma; we noticed subluxation of the peroneal tendons during eversion and extension of the foot. She referred to a previous accident some years before with peroneal tendon subluxation treated by superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) sutures with a synthetic braided absorbable material. We prescribed conventional radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and performed surgery: we removed scar tissue, reattached the retinaculum using suture anchors strengthening it with an acellular dermal matrix allograft patch. Results Periodic clinical follow-ups until 24 months were performed evaluating the stability of the ankle, checking the range of movement, and the Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) was administered. At the first check the subluxation was resolved and the ankle was stable. The VAS scale had the value of 0 at the 3-month follow-up maintained until the final check. Conclusion Relapsing traumatic peroneal tendons subluxation is rare, as well as the possibility of a re-intervention years later. This technique seems to guarantee an excellent result even in the long term, allowing resolution of pain and joint stability. In fact, the use of acellular dermal patch is an already commonly described technique for the augmentation in rotator cuff and hip capsular repair; no reports are available in literature in relation to the use of graft for the repair of the superior peroneal retinaculum.

Current status of localized submental fat treatment with sodium deoxicolate (ATX-101).

Aim Facial aesthetics is at present a concept intricately linked to the degree of self-esteem. Unwanted submental fat (SMF) leads to an unattractive submental profile. Sodium deoxicolate (ATX) -101 is the only injectable drug approved to decrease submental fat of moderate to severe intensity. Methods We carried out a bibliographic review in PubMed using the key words: deoxycholic acid, ATX-101, and submental fat. Only complete articles published between 2009 and 2019, and focused on submental fat were reviewed, excluding those articles relating to that spoke of deoxycholate in the treatment of fat in other locations or in which deoxycholate was associated with other drugs. Results In several phase III clinical trials, injection of 2 mg/cm2 deoxycholic acid in SMF has reduced moderate-severe fullness compared to the placebo group. These results were maintained in most cases during a long follow-up period. Injections of deoxycholic acid are generally well tolerated, with limited adverse effects in the treatment area, with a mild and complete resolution without sequelae. However, not all patients with SMF are suitable for deoxycholic acid therapy, and therefore a proper selection is very important to achieve the desired aesthetic results. Conclusion Deoxycholic acid injections are effective and are a generally well-tolerated, minimally invasive option for the treatment of moderate to severe intensity SMF in selected adults.

Osteoporosis in Men: A Review of an Underestimated Bone Condition.

Osteoporosis is called the 'silent disease' because, although it does not give significant symptoms when it is not complicated, can cause fragility fractures, with serious consequences and death. Furthermore, the consequences of osteoporosis have been calculated to weigh heavily on the costs of health systems in all the countries. Osteoporosis is considered a female disease. Actually, the hormonal changes that occur after menopause certainly determine a significant increase in osteoporosis and the risk of fractures in women. However, while there is no doubt that women are more exposed to osteoporosis and fragility fractures, the literature clearly indicates that physicians tend to underestimate the osteoporosis in men. The review of the literature done by the authors shows that osteoporosis and fragility fractures have a high incidence also in men; and, furthermore, the risk of fatal complications in hip fractured men is higher than that for women. The authors report the evidence of the literature on male osteoporosis, dwelling on epidemiology, causes of osteoporosis in men, diagnosis, and treatment. The analysis of the literature shows that male osteoporosis is underscreened, underdiagnosed, and undertreated, both in primary and secondary prevention of fragility fractures.

Single use instruments for total knee arthroplasty.

Aim Total knee arthroplasty represents a procedure that is successfully performed to relieve functional limitation and pain in advanced stages of osteoarthritis. In the next 20 years the number of these procedures will be increased about four times. Patient specific instrumentation (PSI) has been introduced in the past years. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SUI are more useful in clinical, organizational and economic terms. Methods A database search about single use instrumentation (SUI) was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar for the period 2010-2020 using the following key "total knee replacement", "total knee arthroplasty", "single use instruments", and "disposable instruments". The results of the selected studies were classified according to clinical, economic and organizational criteria. Results The main advantage of SUI has been reported to reduce costs, timely turnover of operating rooms, maximizing the operating room utilization and patient throughput, improving the number of outpatient total joint replacements. No difference has been found other than with regard to conventional instruments in terms of clinical outcome such as hip-knee-ankle angle and other radiographic parameters, Oxford Knee Score, while a decreased infection rate has been demonstrated. Regarding the economic aspect, a reduction of direct and indirect reduction of costs has been shown for the cost of instruments reprocessing, tray sterilization, 90-day infection rate. Conclusion The SUI can be an alternative to conventional instruments, but there are still few studies in the literature regarding clinical outcomes.

Navigated percutaneous screw fixation of the pelvis with O-arm 2: two years' experience.

Aim To evaluate the case series of the patients operated with percutaneous fixation by the navigation system based on 3D fluoroscopic images, to assess the precision of a surgical implant and functional outcome of patients. Methods A retrospective study of pelvic ring fractures in a 2-year period included those treated with the use of the O-Arm 2 in combination with the Stealth Station 8. Pelvic fractures were classified according to the Tile and the Young-Burgess classification. All patients were examined before surgery, with X-rays and CT scans, and three days after surgery with additional CT scan. The positioning of the screws was evaluated according to the Smith score, the outcome with the SF-36. Results Among 24 patients 18 were with B and six with C type fracture according to Tile, while eight were with APC, 10 LC, and six with VS type according to Young-Burgess classification. All patients were treated in the supine position, except two. A total of 41 iliosacral or transsacral screws and five anterior pelvic ring screws were implanted. The medium surgical time per screw was 41 minutes. There was a perfect correspondence of screw scores value from post-operative CT and intraoperative fluoroscopy. The mean screw score value was 0.92. There were no cases of poor positioning. The median follow-up was 17.5 months. The patients were satisfied with their health condition on SF-36. Conclusion The use of the O-arm guarantees great precision in the positioning of the screws and reduced surgical times with excellent clinical results in patients.

Balance assessment after altering stimulation of the neurosensory system.

Aim Posture requires fine integrative elaboration, performed by the central nervous system, of neurosensory information originated from the visual, vestibular and spinal circuit. Many perturbing agents can influence this elaboration and then the postural stability. Several studies have evaluated only the effect of a single agent on the postural control. The study analysed the perturbing effect of several external agents on the different sensorial circuits in terms of postural balance loss in orthostatism. Methods The postural stability of 31 patients was evaluated with a static posturography platform in basal conditions and after exposure to an external agent in the following order: stroboscopic light projecting, mechanical rotations on a swivel chair, feet desensitization through ice, administration of an alcoholic drink at intervals which depended on the participant return to basic posturographic values. Tests were performed with open eyes (OE), closed eyes (CE) and reducing plantar perception through the use of a rubber pillow. Results The stroboscopic light altered the postural control. The swivel chair disturbed only with CE. Ice and alcohol increased the oscillation area. The alcohol test had a significant reduction in postural control with OE compared to CE. The rubber cushion increased the oscillation area in all OE tests and with CE in alcohol and ice tests. Conclusion The different agents did not trigger postural control deficits in the same way. A cold environment with psychedelic lights and the use of alcoholic beverages altered significantly the postural stability by influencing simultaneously all perceptions (visual, vestibular and somatosensory feedback).

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Double Plating with Biological and Artificial Bone Grafting of Aseptic Non-unions of the Distal Humerus: Clinical Results.

AIM: Intra-articular non-union of fractures is an uncommon but complex problem because in general, it is characterised by marked instability, pain, strength loss and significant functional limitation. The aim of this study is to report our prospective medium-term outcomes of the treatment of intra-articular, distal humeral aseptic non-unions using open reduction and internal fixation, augmented with artificial bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series of 16 patients with intra-articular, aseptic non-unions of the distal humerus was analysed for range of motion, pain, Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) and Oxford Elbow Scores (OES) after 12 months. Mean age was 44 years (range, 18-84 years) and mean total follow-up was 43 months (range, 24-62 months). RESULTS: All subjective and objective scores were significantly higher 12 months after treatment with internal fixation and artificial bone augmentation; the mean improvement on the MEPS was 18 points and 17 points on the OES. All patients returned to work, most without limitations. Autografts had worse outcomes compared to allografts regarding post-operative pain and time to return to work. No adverse events related to the artificial bone augmentation were seen and all fractures consolidated. CONCLUSION: The use of two locking plates and bone graft augmentation with autografts or allografts with artificial bone grafts is a successful treatment of intra-articular distal humeral non-unions after hardware failure or biological limitations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The use of artificial bone in the treatment of septic non-unions of the upper limb is safe. When no autograft is possible because of concurrent morbidity, it can be used alone or combined with an allograft to reconstruct the affected bone without leading to extra morbidity or complications. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Rollo G, Vicenti G, Rotini R, et al. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Using Double Plating with Biological and Artificial Bone Grafting of Aseptic Non-unions of the Distal Humerus: Clinical Results. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(3):144-151.

Scapular body fractures: Short-term results of surgical management with extended indications.

INTRODUCTION: Scapular body fractures represent less than 1% of all skeletal fractures. Operative criteria and risk factors for scapular fracture instability are well defined. Non-operative management of scapular body fractures show satisfactory results but with shortening and medialization of the scapular body. The aim of this study is to evaluate if surgical treatment will result in an improved quality of life and shoulder function compared to non-operative treatment on patients suffering from a scapular body fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a total of 381 retrospectively identified scapular body fractures, we included 45 patients. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups: the surgical treatment (ST, n = 20) group and the non-operative treatment (NOT, n = 25) group. The Non-Union Scoring System (NUSS) was used to assess bone healing on radiographs. The functional evaluation of the two groups during the follow-up were performed using the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS) and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH). Complications, reoperation rates, and time until bony union were also documented. The minimum follow-up for this study was designated as 12 months. RESULTS: The ST group had better mean CSS and QuickDASH scores compared to the NOT group at 1, 3 and 6 months of follow-up. No statistically significant difference was detected at 12 months follow-up. ST group also demonstrated improved results in time until bone union, reduction of rehabilitation time, complications and return to work rates. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that surgical treatment for extraarticular scapular fractures can achieve better short-term functional outcomes (3 to 6 months) compared to conservative treatment.