Comparison of Cylindrical and Tapered Stem Designs for Femoral Revision Hip Arthroplasty.

Background: Cylindrical fully-coated cobalt-chromium stems (CCS) have been widely used in femoral revisions. However, monoblock fluted conical tapered stems (FCTS) are growing in popularity. The present study seeks to determine whether there are any long-term differences between the two designs. Material and methods: A retrospective study of 38 CCS versus 40 FCTS was carried out. Demographic data, clinical variables and radiographic parameters were recorded. Results: Demographic data were comparable. A greater proportion of septic revisions, periprosthetic fractures and previous osteosynthesis failures was observed with FCTS versus CCS (p = 0.012). A greater use of FCTS was recorded in cases with bone defects of type IIIA and higher (p = 0.025). There were no significant differences in terms of in-hospital complications (p = 0.815), postoperative surgical complications or need for reoperation (p = 0.156). The CCS group presented a higher percentage of clinical thigh pain at the end of follow-up (p = 0.006). Additionally, a greater presence of radiolucencies was observed with CCS, especially in proximal zones (1, 7, 10 and 14). More subsidence, tip cortical hypertrophy and stress shielding were recorded in the CCS group. The overall survival at 120 months was 84.2% in the CCS group and 85% in the FCTS group (p = 0.520). When analyzing isolated aseptic loosening as the cause of failure, the survival rate was 94.7% in the CCS group and 95% in the FCTS group (p = 0.506). Conclusions: Both FCTS and CCS with diaphyseal anchorage afford excellent long-term survival rates, with no differences between the two designs. However, a higher incidence of stress shielding, radiolucencies and thigh pain with CCS seems to favor the use of FCTS.

International Delphi Study on Wound Closure and Incision Management in Joint Arthroplasty Part 2: Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This modified Delphi study aimed to develop a consensus on optimal wound closure and incision management strategies for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Given the critical nature of wound care and incision management in influencing patient outcomes, this study sought to synthesize evidence-based best practices for wound care in THA procedures. METHODS: An international panel of 20 orthopedic surgeons from Europe, Canada, and the United States evaluated a targeted literature review of 18 statements (14 specific to THA and 4 related to both THA and total knee arthroplasty). There were 3 rounds of anonymous voting per topic using a modified 5-point Likert scale with a predetermined consensus threshold of ≥ 75% agreement necessary for a statement to be accepted. RESULTS: After 3 rounds of voting, consensus was achieved for all 18 statements. Notable recommendations for THA wound management included (1) the use of barbed sutures over non-barbed sutures (shorter closing times and overall cost savings); (2) the use of subcuticular sutures over skin staples (lower risk of superficial infections and higher patient preferences, but longer closing times); (3) the use of mesh-adhesives over silver-impregnated dressings (lower rate of wound complications); (4) for at-risk patients, the use of negative pressure wound therapy over other dressings (lower wound complications and reoperations, as well as fewer dressing changes); and (5) the use of triclosan-coated sutures (lower risk of surgical site infection) over standard sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Through a structured modified Delphi approach, a panel of 20 orthopedic surgeons reached consensus on all 18 statements pertaining to wound closure and incision management in THA. This study provides a foundational framework for establishing evidence-based best practices, aiming to reduce variability in patient outcomes and to enhance the overall quality of care in THA procedures.

International Delphi Study on Wound Closure and Dressing Management in Joint Arthroplasty: Part 1: Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this modified Delphi study was to obtain consensus on wound closure and dressing management in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The Delphi panel included 20 orthopaedic surgeons from Europe and North America. There were 26 statements identified using a targeted literature review. Consensus was developed for the statements with up to three rounds of anonymous voting per topic. Panelists ranked their agreement with each statement on a five-point Likert scale. An a priori threshold of ≥ 75% was required for consensus. RESULTS: All 26 statements achieved consensus after three rounds of anonymous voting. Wound closure-related interventions that were recommended for use in TKA included: 1) closing in semi-flexion versus extension (superior range of motion); 2) using aspirin for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis over other agents (reduces wound complications); 3) barbed sutures over non-barbed sutures (lower wound complications, better cosmetic appearances, shorter closing times, and overall cost savings); 4) mesh-adhesives over other skin closure methods (lower wound complications, higher patient satisfaction scores, lower rates of readmission); 5) silver-impregnated dressings over standard dressings (lower wound complications, decreased infections, fewer dressing changes); 6) in high-risk patients, negative pressure wound therapy over other dressings (lower wound complications, decreased reoperations, fewer dressing changes); and 7) using triclosan-coated over non-antimicrobial-coated sutures (lower risks of surgical site infection). CONCLUSIONS: Using a modified Delphi approach, the panel achieved consensus on 26 statements pertaining to wound closure and dressing management in TKA. This study forms the basis for identifying critical evidence supported by clinical practice for wound management to help reduce variability, advance standardization, and ultimately improve outcomes during TKA. The results presented here can serve as the foundation for knowledge, education, and improved clinical outcomes for surgeons performing TKAs.

How to remove a well-fixed metaphyseal sleeve in revision knee arthroplasty: A step-by-step surgical procedure.

BACKGROUND: The rising incidence and complexity of revision knee arthroplasty has led to an increase in the use of metaphyseal reconstruction systems. One of the most widely used systems are metaphyseal sleeves as they have demonstrated excellent long-term survival. However, there is concern about the possible difficulty of extracting a sleeve if it were necessary, as no known procedures have yet been validated. METHODS: We examined the outcomes of removing 23 well-integrated metaphyseal sleeves using the same systematized technique. RESULTS: All sleeves were extracted without any intraoperative complications. Four subjects required an osteotomy to complete the extraction, while 62% of the sample were found to have an AORI IIB defect. All cases were successfully reconstructed with a new metaphyseal fixation, implanting a new sleeve in 38% of subjects compared with cones in the remaining 62%. CONCLUSIONS: The technique described here produced successful, reproducible outcomes for the removal of integrated metaphyseal sleeves with minimal bone loss and no intraoperative complications.

Is a greater degree of constraint really harmful? Clinical biomechanical comparative study between condylar constrained knee and rotating hinge prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: The real degree of constraint of rotating hinge knee and condylar constrained prostheses is a matter of discussion in revision knee arthroplasty. The objective of this study is to compare the tibial rotation between implants in the clinical settings. METHODS: An investigator blinded experimental study was designed including 20 patients: in 10 of them a rotating hinge knee prosthesis (Endomodel®, LINK) was implanted and in the remaining 10 a constrained condylar knee prosthesis (LCCK®, Zimmer) was used. A medial parapatellar approach was performed and implantation was performed according to conventional surgical technique. Tibial rotation was measured with two accelerometers in full extension and at 30°, 60° and 90° of flexion. Pre and postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was recorded. FINDINGS: Both groups were homogenous in age (73.4 years in rotating hinge knee prosthesis vs 74 years in constrained condylar knee group), sex, laterality and preoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (p > 0.05). The postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score was significantly higher in the rotating hinge knee prosthesis group (80.98 vs 76.28). The degrees of tibial rotation measured by inertial sensors in the rotating hinge knee prosthesis group were also significantly higher than those measured in the constrained condylar knee group (5.66° vs 2.1°) with p = 0.001. INTERPRETATION: Rotating hinge knee prosthesis appears to represent a lower rotational constraint degree than constrained condylar knee systems in clinical practice and it may increase the clinical satisfaction. The clinical significance: Rotating hinge knee prosthesis appears to represent a lower constraint degree than constrained condylar knee systems in clinical practice.

Impact of Positive Cultures During the Second Stage of a Two-Stage Exchange: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage exchange is a frequently performed procedure in patients who have a periprosthetic joint infection. Positive cultures when performing the second stage are perceived as a risk factor for reinfection. This study aimed to determine the impact of positive cultures during the second stage on the outcome of patients undergoing a 2-stage septic exchange and the impact of stopping the antibiotic treatment before reimplantation. METHODS: We systematically searched four databases. We performed a meta-analysis on the risk of complications after positive cultures during second stage and a subgroup analysis by antibiotic holiday period. We included 24 studies. RESULTS: Failure in the positive group was 37.0% and in the negative group was 13.7% with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.05. In the subgroup analysis by antibiotic holidays, failure rate without holidays was 15% and with holidays was 17.3% (P = .21). Failure in each group was higher when cultures were positive (without holidays, 25 versus 12.2%, P = .0003, and with holidays 41.1 versus 12.7%, P < .0001), but the risk of failure when cultures were positive was higher in the holiday group (OR 4.798) than in the nonholiday group (OR 2.225) in comparison to those patients who were culture negative at the second stage. CONCLUSIONS: Microbiological eradication at second stage was not obtained in 18% of cases and it was associated with a higher failure rate. In patients with positive cultures, withholding antibiotic treatment was associated with lower failure rate. Further studies to define the antibiotic strategy in 2-stage exchange procedure are necessary.

An In Vitro Study to Assess the Best Strategy for the Chemical Debridement of Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

Irrigation and debridement using an irrigation solution is a fundamental step during the surgical treatment of both acute and chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, there is no consensus on the optimal solution, nor is there sufficient evidence on the optimal irrigation time and combination of solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to determine which solution or combination of solutions is most efficacious against biofilm, as well as the optimal irrigation time. We conducted an experimental in vitro model by inoculating stainless steel discs with ATCC strains of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a clinical strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The discs were all irrigated with commonly used antiseptic solutions (10% and 3% povidone iodine, hydrogen peroxide, 3% acetic acid, and Bactisure™) for 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min and their combinations for 9 min (3 min each) vs. sterile saline as a positive control. We evaluated the reduction in biofilm based on colony-forming unit (cfu) counts and in combination assays, also based on cell viability and scanning electron microscopy. All antiseptics alone reduced more than 90% of cfu counts after 1 min of irrigation; the worst results were for hydrogen peroxide and 3% acetic acid. When solutions were sequentially combined, the best results were observed for all those starting with acetic acid, in terms of both reduction of log cfu/mL counts and viable cells. We consider that a combination of antiseptic solutions, particularly that comprising the sequence acetic acid + povidone iodine + hydrogen peroxide, would be the best option for chemical debridement during PJI surgery.

In Vitro Efficacy of Dalbavancin as a Long-Acting Anti-Biofilm Agent Loaded in Bone Cement.

Based on previous studies by our group in which we demonstrated that dalbavancin loaded in bone cement had good elution capacity for the treatment of biofilm-related periprosthetic infections, we now assess the anti-biofilm activity of dalbavancin and compare it with that of vancomycin over a 3-month period. We designed an in vitro model in which we calculated the percentage reduction in log cfu/mL counts of sonicated steel discs contaminated with staphylococci and further exposed to bone cement discs loaded with 2.5% or 5% vancomycin and dalbavancin at various timepoints (24 h, 48 h, 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months). In addition, we tested the anti-biofilm activity of eluted vancomycin and dalbavancin at each timepoint based on a 96-well plate model in which we assessed the percentage reduction in metabolic activity. We observed a significant decrease in the dalbavancin concentration from 2 weeks of incubation, with sustained anti-biofilm activity up to 3 months. In the case of vancomycin, we observed a significant decrease at 1 week. The concentration gradually increased, leading to significantly lower anti-biofilm activity. The percentage reduction in cfu/mL counts was higher for dalbavancin than for vancomycin at both the 2.5% and the 5% concentrations. The reduction in log cfu/mL counts was higher for S. epidermidis than for S. aureus and was particularly more notable for 5% dalbavancin at 3 months. In addition, the percentage reduction in metabolic activity also decreased at 3 months in 5% dalbavancin and 5% vancomycin, with more notable values recorded for the latter.

Engineering 3D-Printed Advanced Healthcare Materials for Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

The use of additive manufacturing or 3D printing in biomedicine has experienced fast growth in the last few years, becoming a promising tool in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing, especially in parenteral formulations and implantable drug delivery systems (IDDSs). Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are a common complication in arthroplasties, with a prevalence of over 4%. There is still no treatment that fully covers the need for preventing and treating biofilm formation. However, 3D printing plays a major role in the development of novel therapies for PJIs. This review will provide a deep understanding of the different approaches based on 3D-printing techniques for the current management and prophylaxis of PJIs. The two main strategies are focused on IDDSs that are loaded or coated with antimicrobials, commonly in combination with bone regeneration agents and 3D-printed orthopedic implants with modified surfaces and antimicrobial properties. The wide variety of printing methods and materials have allowed for the manufacture of IDDSs that are perfectly adjusted to patients' physiognomy, with different drug release profiles, geometries, and inner and outer architectures, and are fully individualized, targeting specific pathogens. Although these novel treatments are demonstrating promising results, in vivo studies and clinical trials are required for their translation from the bench to the market.

Four-day delay "metachronous" polymicrobial necrotizing fasciitis of lower limbs: a unique case report.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection that requires immediate medical attention to prevent its fulminant development that can lead to amputation or death of the patient. In most of reported cases of multifocal necrotizing fasciitis, injuries appear synchronously within hours from the initial diagnosis. It is the only third reported case with metachronous lesions, and the first that involves both S. pyogenes and S. aureus. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment is mandatory to prevent fatal outcomes. We present the case of a 58-year-old Caucasian man who developed necrotizing fasciitis of both lower limbs with four days between each one. After initial clinical suspicion, he was treated with intravenous antibiotics and we performed an urgent fasciotomy of the right leg and diagnosis was confirmed. Streptococcus pyogenes and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from intraoperative cultures. Four days later, due to rising signs on the left limb, another fasciotomy had to be performed and the same microorganisms were isolated. Our patient was discharged home one month after his admission and had no complications during the follow-up. In order to prevent the development of metachronous lesions, early multidisciplinary treatment with aggressive and repeated debridement is necessary. We managed to keep our patient alive, without amputation or intervention by Plastic Surgery, and he recovered fully which is an excellent outcome from a very aggressive disease.

Determination of the Elution Capacity of Dalbavancin in Bone Cements: New Alternative for the Treatment of Biofilm-Related Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infections Based on an In Vitro Study.

Antibiotic-loaded bone cement is the most widely used approach for the treatment of biofilm-induced septic sequelae in orthopedic surgery. Dalbavancin is a lipoglycopeptide that acts against Gram-positive bacteria and has a long half-life, so we aimed to assess whether it could be a new alternative drug in antibiotic-loaded bone cement for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infections. We assessed the elution capacity of dalbavancin and compared it with that of vancomycin in bone cement. Palacos®R (Heraeus Medical GmbH, Wehrheim, Germany) bone cement was manually mixed with each of the antibiotics studied at 2.5% and 5%. Three cylinders were obtained from each of the mixtures; these were weighed and incubated in 5 mL phosphate-buffered saline at 37°C under shaking for 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, 168 h, and 336 h. PBS was replenished at each time point. The samples were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (vancomycin) and mass cytometry (dalbavancin). Elution was higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)90 for both antibiotics after 14 days of study. The release of vancomycin at 14 days was higher than of dalbavancin at each concentration tested (p = 0.05, both). However, the cumulative release of 5% dalbavancin was similar to that of 2.5% vancomycin (p = 0.513). The elution capacity of dalbavancin reached a cumulative concentration similar to that of vancomycin. Moreover, considering that the MIC90 of dalbavancin is one third that of vancomycin (0.06 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively) and given the long half-life of dalbavancin, it may be a new alternative for the treatment of biofilm-related periprosthetic infections when loaded in bone cement.

A Change in the Classical Order of Setting of Porous Metal Augments with Locked Cups in Hip Revision Surgery: Technical Note and Case Report.

Introduction: Reconstruction of acetabular bone defects by the combination of trabecular metal augments and porous cups can be complex when extensive bone loss and poor-quality bone exists. The onset of porous cups with an interlocking mechanism may simplify surgical technique due to its superior initial mechanical stability. We endorse the possibility for a change in the classical order of setting of the augments and the cup. Methods: We present a technical modification and a series of cases of three patients with Paprosky IIB and IIIA acetabular defects operated with a combination of porous metal augments and a porous cup. In all the three patients, the setting of the cup was done first and secured with locked screws, and then the augments were set in place as a wedge and fixed with screws in a standard fashion. Results: The postoperative X-ray showed good position of implants with restoration of the center of rotation, and the patients had good recovery. Radiological evaluation in the midterm follow-up did not show mobilization of implants. Discussion. The use of metal porous augments is widely used for severe acetabular defects, being a versatile system to adapt to the different size defects. Nevertheless, its use may be technically demanding and time consuming. It is not infrequent that the setting of the augments conditions the final position of the cup with a possible interference with initial stability and eventually bone ingrowth of the cup. The interlocking mechanism offers an additional biomechanical stability and thus may allow us to place the cup first in the desired position with a less demanding technique. Conclusion: With the use of locked-screw porous metal cups, the order of setting of implants may be changed in order to obtain a better restoration of the center of rotation and increased host-bone implant contact with a simplified surgical technique.

Improvement of surgical time and functional results after do-it-yourself 3D-printed model preoperative planning in acetabular defects Paprosky IIA-IIIB.

INTRODUCTION: The correct positioning of the implant in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) is critical to obtaining substantial functional outcomes, and to avoiding complications. Current literature supports three-dimensional (3D)-printed models as potentially useful tools for preplanning, as well as the "do it yourself (DIY)" methodology to reduce both the time and costs of this procedure. However, no study has determined the efficacy of both methods combined in a cohort of patients with severe acetabular defects. In the lack of bibliography, we performed rTHA after preoperative planning by DIY-3D-printed models to evaluate its influence in: 1) the surgical time, 2) the functional scores, 3) the intra and postoperative complications, and 4) the reconstruction of the center of rotation (COR) of the hip. HYPOTHESIS: Preoperative planning through 3D-DIY printed models will both improve the accuracy of the implant positioning, and the surgical time, leading the latter to improved functional scores and reduced complications. MATERIALS & METHODS: A comparative study of 21 patients with Paprosky IIB to IIIB acetabular defects who underwent rTHA after 3D-printed model preoperative planning by the DIY method between 2016 and 2019 was conducted. A historical cohort of 24 patients served as the comparator. Surgical time, reconstruction of the COR, functional scores, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 32.4 (range, 12 to 60) months. All the patients showed significant improvement of the Harris hip score (HHS) after the operation (3D group: 26.58±10.73; control group 22.47±15.43 (p=0.00)). In the 3D-printed model preoperative planning group the mean operation time and the intraoperative complications were significantly lower (156.15±43.03min vs 187.5±54.38min (p=0.045); and 19% vs 62.5% (p=0.003), respectively), and the HHS and patient satisfaction score (PSS) were significantly greater (83.74±8.49 vs 75.59±11.46 (p=0.019); and 8.17±0.88 vs 7.36±1.17 (p=0.023), respectively). No differences were found in the postoperative complications, nor in the restoration of the COR as determined from the acetabular index, verticalization or horizontalization, although the acetabular index was closer to the intended one in the 3D-printed model planning group (46.67°±7.63 vs 49.22±8.1 (p=0.284)). CONCLUSION: Preoperative planning of severe acetabular defects through 3D-printed models shortens the surgical time, leading to a decrease in complications and thus to better functional outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. Moreover, the DIY philosophy could decrease both the time and costs of traditional 3D planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective case matched study.

Long-term outcomes of one single-design varus valgus constrained versus one single-design rotating hinge in revision knee arthroplasty after over 10-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate degree of constraint in knee prosthetic revision is unknown, necessitating the use of the lowest possible constraint. This study aimed to compare the long-term clinical and survival results of revision with rotation hinge knee (RHK) VS constrained condylar constrained knee (CCK) implants. METHODS: Overall, 117 revision case were prospectively reviewed and dividing into two groups based on the degree of constraint used, using only one prosthetic model in each group (61 CCK vs 56 RHK). All implants were evaluated for a minimum of 10 years. Survival of both implants at the end of follow-up, free from revision for any cause, aseptic loosening, and septic cause was compared. RESULTS: Better results were seen with use of the RHK in joint ranges of (p = 0.023), KSCS (p = 0.015), KSFS (p = 0.043), and KOOS (p = 0.031). About 22.2% of the cases required repeat surgery (11.7% RHK vs 29.6% CCK, p = 0.023). Constrained condylar implants had a significantly lower survival rates than rotating hinge implants (p = 0.005), due to a higher aseptic loosening rate (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Using a specific RHK design with less rotational constraint has better clinical and survival outcomes than implants with greater rotational constraint, such as one specific CCK.

Ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release for treatment of Dupuytren's disease.

This study describes a new ultrasound-guided surgical technique for aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release in patients with Dupuytren's disease and analyses the clinical outcomes. We carried out a retrospective review of 70 digits in 35 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular release, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The primary outcome was the correction of the deformity and the QuickDASH questionnaire score after surgery and at 1 and 2 years. The secondary outcome was the presence of residual contracture immediately after surgery. The mean QuickDASH score fell from 28 before surgery to 14 after surgery. A significant decrease of -63° was observed for the global contracture, -35° the metacarpophalangeal joint contracture and -28° for the proximal interphalangeal joint contracture. Ultrasound-guided aponeurotomy and interphalangeal joint capsular and palmar plate releases are highly accurate and safe.Level of evidence: IV.

The tale of microencapsulated rifampicin: is it useful for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection?

PURPOSE: Microencapsulation techniques have allowed the addition of rifampicin to bone cement, but its in vivo efficacy has not been proven. The aim of our study is to determine the superiority of cement containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules in the treatment of PJI versus cement exclusively containing gentamicin. METHODS: An S. aureus PJI was induced in 15 NZW rabbits. A week after inoculation, the first stage of replacement was carried out, and the animals were divided into two groups: group R received a spacer containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules, and group C received a spacer containing gentamicin. Intra-articular release curve of rifampicin and infection and toxicity markers were monitored for four weeks post-operatively, when microbiological analysis was performed. RESULTS: The microbiological cultures showed a significantly lower growth of S. aureus in soft tissue (2.3·104 vs 0; p = 0.01) and bone (5.7·102 vs 0; p = 0.03) in the group with rifampicin microcapsules. No differences were found in systemic toxicity markers. Rifampicin release from the cement spacer showed higher concentrations than the staphylococcal MIC throughout the analysis. CONCLUSION: The in vivo analyses demonstrated the superiority of cement containing gentamicin and rifampicin microcapsules versus the isolated use of gentamicin in the treatment of PJI in the rabbit model without serious side effects due to the systemic absorption of rifampicin. Given the increasing incidence of staphylococci-related PJI, the development of new strategies for intra-articular administration of rifampicin for its treatment has a high clinical impact.

Ultrasound-guided surgery for lateral snapping hip: a novel ultraminimally invasive surgical technique.

BACKGROUND: Greater trochanteric pain syndrome encompasses a range of causes of lateral hip pain including greater trochanteric bursitis, tendinopathy and tears of the gluteus minimus and medius, and lateral snapping hip (LSH). Surgical options for LSH range from open surgery to endoscopic surgery, including a diamond-shaped cut or a simple transversal release to gluteus maximus tendon release. Resection of an area of proximal iliotibial band (ITB) and step-cut or z-plasty lengthening have not proven superior to transverse release of the ITB. Therefore, making a complete and effective transverse cut guided by ultrasound may represent a potential advance over endoscopic surgery. PURPOSE: In this case series study, we describe how to perform proximal release of the ITB guided by ultrasound. METHODS: The surgical technique-either z-plasty or transverse section of the ITB-was first validated on 10 cadaver specimens and then used in clinical practice. Fourteen patients (5 males and 9 females) were operated from 2014 to 2018. Mean age was 43 years (29-62). RESULTS: The snap resolved in all patients, as verified actively during the surgical procedure as the patient has only local anesthesia. The VAS score for sports activity improved from 7 (5-9) before surgery to 0 (0-2) after 1 year. The HSS score improved from 58 points (47-72) to 96 at 1-2 years. There were no complications other than minor hematomas nor recurrences. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided release of the LSH is a novel surgical option with encouraging results in patients for whom conservative protocols have failed. It can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting with minimal aggressiveness. It is relatively easy, quick, and painless; no stitches are required. Weight bearing is immediate, and patients usually need crutches for only 2-3 days. Although complete recovery may take 3 months, the rehabilitation protocol is fast and painless.

Conceptual evolution of 3D printing in orthopedic surgery and traumatology: from "do it yourself" to "point of care manufacturing".

BACKGROUND: 3D printing technology in hospitals facilitates production models such as point-of-care manufacturing. Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology is the specialty that can most benefit from the advantages of these tools. The purpose of this study is to present the results of the integration of 3D printing technology in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology and to identify the productive model of the point-of-care manufacturing as a paradigm of personalized medicine. METHODS: Observational, descriptive, retrospective and monocentric study of a total of 623 additive manufacturing processes carried out in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology from November 2015 to March 2020. Variables such as product type, utility, time or materials for manufacture were analyzed. RESULTS: The areas of expertise that have performed more processes are Traumatology, Reconstructive and Orthopedic Oncology. Pre-operative planning is their primary use. Working and 3D printing hours, as well as the amount of 3D printing material used, vary according to the type of product or material delivered to perform the process. The most commonly used 3D printing material for manufacturing is polylactic acid, although biocompatible resin has been used to produce surgical guides. In addition, the hospital has worked on the co-design of customized implants with manufacturing companies. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of 3D printing in a Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology allows identifying the conceptual evolution from "Do-It-Yourself" to "POC manufacturing".

Ultrasound-guided release for iliotibial band syndrome: A novel ultraminimally invasive surgical procedure.

BACKGROUND: Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome is the most common cause of lateral knee pain in runners (affecting 7-14%) and in persons taking part in other sports. The aim of this study was to show how to perform a distal release of the ITB guided by ultrasound and present our initial results with this new technique. METHODS: The surgical technique - either Z-plasty or transverse section of the ITB - was first validated on 14 cadaver specimens and then applied in clinical practice. We operated on 32 patients (27 males and five females, 34 cases) from 2013 to 2018. Mean age was 40 years (25-60). The patients comprised 21 recreational middle- or long-distance runners (23 cases), five cyclists, two basketball players, two military personnel, one fireman, and one boxer. RESULTS: All patients were satisfied after 3 months and returned to their sporting activities without restrictions. The visual analog scale score for the practice of sports activities improved from 7 (6-9) before surgery to 0 (0-1) after. The average Lysholm score was 68 points before surgery and 97 (91-100) after, with five good results and 29 excellent results. No patients complained of instability or muscle weakness after 3 months. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided release of the ITB is a novel minimally aggressive surgical approach that potentially enables faster recovery. It is relatively easy, quick, and painless, with a small incision, and can be performed under local anaesthesia in an outpatient setting. It does not require limb exsanguination or stitches, and complications are minimal.