The role of the anterolateral ligament in knee's biomechanics: a case-control retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the functional and clinical results of patients who underwent ACL reconstruction surgery and were divided into subpopulations related to ACL-associated lesions and focused on ALL-associated lesion. METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included 62 patients who underwent standard ACL reconstruction surgery in our hospital from 2014 to 2016. The mean follow-up period was 21 months (range 11-35). We divided the sample into two subpopulations due to the presence or absence of ALL tear at the preoperative MRI. In 42 patients out of 62 (68%), ALL lesion was evident. We evaluated in both subpopulations the ACL failure rate, the functional outcomes rated with IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm scores and the clinical assessment of anteroposterior and rotatory instability with the Lachman test and pivot-shift test. RESULTS: The overall re-injury rate in our cohort of patients was 4.8% with a smaller but not a significant difference between the two groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for the three functional scores, favoring the isolated ACL-lesion group (p < 0.05). Similarly, a better Lachman score was observed in the isolated ACL-lesion group, without statistical significance (p = 0.77); overall, the rate of positive test was lower in the isolated ACL-lesion group. We observed a significant difference of residual rotatory instability (positive pivot-shift test) in the two subpopulations (p = 0.036), and 9% of patients in the ACL + ALL lesion group showed residual jerk or subluxation. CONCLUSION: The additional ALL reconstruction/repair surgery should always be considered in patients with evident ALL tear at the preoperative MRI.

Cross-cultural adaptation and multi-centric validation of the Italian version of the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to translate the Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) into Italian and establish its cultural adaptiveness and validity. METHODS: The original version of the ATRS was translated into Italian in accordance with the stages recommended by Guillemin. A web-based survey was developed to test the construct validity of the Italian ATRS. Eighty patients with an average age of 45.5 years (SD 11) were included in the study. The ATRS was completed twice at 5 days intervals for test-retest reliability. The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to calculate the test-retest reliability, and Cronbach's α coefficient was used for internal consistency. Validity was evaluated by external correlation (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, r) of the ATRS with the Italian versions of the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles questionnaire (VISA-A), the 17-Italian Foot Function Index (17-FFI), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), and the Short-Form 36 (SF-36). RESULTS: The internal consistency (α = 0.97) and the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.96) were excellent. The correlation coefficient showed strong correlation of the Italian ATRS with the VISA-A and the LEFS (r = 0.72 and r = 0.70, respectively, p < 0.0001), a weak correlation with the 17-FFI (r = -0.30, p = 0.007), and high-to-moderate correlation with the physical functioning, bodily pain, physical role functioning, social functioning, role emotional, and vitality of the SF-36 (r = 0.75, r = 0.61, r = 0.52, r = 0.49, r = 0.40 and r = 0.34, respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The Italian version of the ATRS is a valid instrumentation to assess the functional limitations of Italian patients after Achilles tendon rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Web-based survey results: surgeon practice patterns in Italy regarding anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report Italian orthopaedic surgeons' management of choice for ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation, and to compare surgical applications and rehabilitation approaches of Italian surgeons to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". A secondary purpose was to compare the preferences of subgroup based on graft choice, surgical techniques and experience. METHODS: A web-based survey was developed to investigate the attitudes of members of a national association specialized in sports traumatology and knee surgery (SIGASCOT) regarding surgical techniques, routine post-operative applications, rehabilitation approaches and starting time of specific activities and exercises following ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: The response rate was 17 % (131 questionnaires). The most popular graft type was hamstring tendon (81 % in male patients, and 91 % in female patients). The rate of continuous passive motion use was 55 %. Half surgeons routinely used a brace (49 %), usually a hinged brace. In total, 33.0 % of surgeons allowed patients to load the operated knee as much as tolerated within the first 2 weeks. Fifty-nine per cent of surgeons did not limit full flexion within the first 2 weeks. Most surgeons advise to wait until 4 months or more (97 %) for return to sports not requiring contact, and 6 months or more for full-contact sport (86 %). CONCLUSIONS: This survey demonstrates clear trends in the practice of ACL reconstruction and rehabilitation in Italy. The data obtained from the SIGASCOT members revealed a more conservative approach when compared to the current approaches of "ACL Study Group". LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Cross-sectional survey, Level III.

Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of acute hamstring injuries in professional football players.

PURPOSE: muscle injuries have a high incidence in professional football and are responsible for the largest number of days lost from competition. Several in vitro studies have confirmed the positive role of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in accelerating recovery and in promoting muscle regeneration, and not fibrosis, in the healing process. This study examines the results of intralesional administration of PRP in the treatment of primary hamstring injuries sustained by players belonging to a major league football club. METHODS: twenty-five hamstring injuries (grade 2 according to MRI classification) sustained by professional football players during a 31-months observation period were treated with PRP and analyzed. Sport participation absence (SPA), in days, was considered to correspond to the healing time, and we also considered the re-injury rate, and tissue healing on MRI. The mean follow-up was 36.6 months (range 22-42). RESULTS: there were no adverse events. The mean SPA for the treated muscle injuries was 36.76±19.02 days. The re-injury rate was 12%. Tissue healing, evaluated on MRI, was characterized by the presence of excellent repair tissue and a small scar. CONCLUSIONS: this study confirmed the safety of PRP in treating hamstring lesions in a large series of professional football players. PRP-treated lesions did not heal more quickly than untreated lesions described in the literature, but they showed a smaller scar and excellent repair tissue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Return to sport after ACL reconstruction: a survey between the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members.

BACKGROUND: A worldwide consensus for timing and criteria for return to sport after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is lacking. The aim of the study was to survey among the Italian Society of Knee, Arthroscopy, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopaedic Technologies (SIGASCOT) members in order to evaluate their approaches to the return to sport after ACL reconstruction regarding timing and criteria. METHODS: A web survey among the SIGASCOT members was performed, including 14 questions regarding technical and graft preferences, timing for return to training and competitive activity for contact and non-contact sports and criteria to allow return to sport. RESULTS: Totally, 123 members completed the questionnaire. Return to training sports was allowed within 6 month by 87 % for non-contact sports and by 53 % for contact sports. Return to competitive activity was allowed within 6 months by 48 % for non-contact sports and by 13 % for contact sports. Full ROM (77 %), Lachman test (65 %) and Pivot-Shift test (65 %) were the most used criteria to allow return to sport. The 90 % used at least one clinical score. CONCLUSION: The SIGASCOT members showed various approaches in the return to sport after ACL reconstruction, with differences between return to training or competitive activity, and between contact and non-contact sports. Six months was generally considered adequate by most of the members for the most demanding activities. The most used criteria to allow return to sport were manual testing. A clear definition of sport activities and more objective criteria for the return to sport are needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Hinged external fixation for Regan-Morrey type I and II fractures and fracture-dislocations.

Elbow fracture-dislocation is always demanding to manage due to the considerable soft-tissue swelling or damage involved, which can make an early open approach and ligamentous reconstruction impossible. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of elbow hinged external fixation (HEF) as a definitive treatment in patients with elbow dislocations associated with Regan-Morrey (R-M) type I and II coronoid fractures and soft-tissue damage. We treated 11 patients between 2010 and 2012 with HEF. Instability tests and standard X-ray examinations were performed before surgery and 1-3 to 3-6 months after surgery, respectively. All patients underwent a preoperative CT scan. Outcomes were assessed with a functional assessment scale (Mayo Elbow Performance Score, MEPS) that included 4 parameters: pain, ROM, stability, and function. The results were good or excellent in all 11 patients, and no patient complained of residual instability. Radiographic examination showed bone metaplasia involving the anterior and medial sides of the joint in 5 patients. HEF presented several advantages: it improves elbow stability and it avoids long and demanding surgery in particular in cases with large soft tissue damage. We therefore consider elbow HEF to be a viable option for treating R-M type I and II fracture-dislocations.

Knee replacement in chronic post-traumatic cases.

Post-traumatic knee arthritis is a challenging condition. Prosthetic surgery is demanding and the risk of complications is relatively high.Planning is an essential element of this surgery; correct diagnosis (to exclude latent infection) and adequate considerations regarding approach, axis, bone loss, choice of implant and level of constraint are indispensable.There are two main categories of post-traumatic arthritis: extra-articular deformities and articular deformities.Use of an algorithms can support the surgeon's choice of implant.Correct implant positioning and limb alignment restoration is associated with very good results, similar to those achieved with standard total knee arthroplasty. Cite this article: Benazzo F, Rossi SMP, Combi A, Meena S, Ghiara M. Knee replacement in chronic post-traumatic cases. EFORT Open Rev 2016:1:211-218. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.1.000025.

MODULUS Stem for Developmental Hip Dysplasia: Long-term Follow-up.

Between October 2001 and December 2010, 143 patients with developmental dysplasia underwent hip arthroplasty surgery using a conical stem with modular necks (MODULUS system, Lima Corporate, Villanova di San Daniele del Friuli, Italy). Thirty (21.0%) patients had both hips replaced, for a total of 173 implants. The mean age at the time of surgery was 55 years (range: 22-81 years). The mean follow-up was 87 months (range: 36-146 months); average Harris Hip Score increased from 42 (range: 23-65) preoperatively to 92 (range: 76-100) at the last follow-up. Stem revision was required in two cases. The MODULUS stem showed good long-term clinical and radiographic results, with a Kaplan-Meier survivorship of 97.6% (95% CI: 94.8-100.0%) at 8 years.

Total knee replacement in acute and chronic traumatic events.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a widely used procedure for the treatment of post-traumatic arthritis. This type of solution has also been used recently for the treatment of acute fractures around the knee, particularly in joints that were already arthritic before the trauma. The purpose of this paper is to present our experience with TKR in both acute and chronic traumatic events, highlighting the main problems associated with these conditions and focussing on the indications, principles of technique, tips, tricks and pitfalls of this procedure. The main issues related to post-traumatic arthritis and the problem of TKR in acute fractures are discussed, and our case series of both groups of patients is presented.

Consentimiento informado: opinión de una comunidad hospitalaria y de académicos de cirugía / Informed consent: opinion of hospital community and members of Argentine Academy Surgery

Antecedentes: La gestión del Comité de Bioética a favor de la aplicación del consentimiento informado a nivel hospitalario, enfrentó inconvenientes relacionados con divergencias respecto de la validez, legalidad, legitimidad y utilidad del proceder. Objetivos: Determinar la opinión de una comunidad hospitalaria y de los Académicos de Cirugía respecto de los fundamentos, beneficios e inconvenientes relacionados con el consentimiento informado. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital general de agudos provincial y sociedad académica. Diseño: Entrevista personal con pacientes internados y encuesta semiestructurada para el resto de la población. Población: Comunidad hospitalaria (148 pacientes internados, 232 médicos, 103 estudiantes de medicina, 117 enfermeras y 106 técnicos) y 67 Académicos de Cirugía. Métodos: Análisis estadísticos y discusión de los hallazgos. Resultados: En situación de paciente, la mayoría de los sujetos (93,4 por ciento) desearía conocer la verdad. Creo que es su derecho. La proporción disminuye si se trata de un familiar del opinante (82,8 por ciento). Si el sujeto es un tercero, la obligatoriedad de informar es calificada como menor en relación con las anteriores (72,7 por ciento). La revelación de la información, asociada con la firma del formulario que certifica tal actividad, resultó ser la definición más frecuente de consentimiento informado. El derecho, como obligación legal de estar informado, no destaca como prioritario. El 89,4 por ciento adjudica al médico tratante y al encargado de efectuar la práctica la responsabilidad de informar. El 69 por ciento cree que corresponde a los Jefes exigir la gestión del CI, el 82,6 por ciento que impondrían tal obligación tal obligación si estuvieran a cargo del área. Entre ambas situaciones se detectan diferencias significativas. El 80,2 por ciento de los técnicos y enfermeras hospitalarios opina que se informa de manera inadecuada. La consistencia de las respuestas y el tamaño de la muestra (773 personas que comprenden el 50,7 por ciento de la población hospitalaria y el 55,8 por ciento de los Académicos) permiten considerar los resultados como representativos de ambos universos, aunque su composición no permite extrapolar conclusiones a la población general. Las tendencias observadas, merecen ser tomadas en consideración...(AU)

Consentimiento informado: opinión de una comunidad hospitalaria y de académicos de cirugía / Informed consent: opinion of hospital community and members of Argentine Academy Surgery

Antecedentes: La gestión del Comité de Bioética a favor de la aplicación del consentimiento informado a nivel hospitalario, enfrentó inconvenientes relacionados con divergencias respecto de la validez, legalidad, legitimidad y utilidad del proceder. Objetivos: Determinar la opinión de una comunidad hospitalaria y de los Académicos de Cirugía respecto de los fundamentos, beneficios e inconvenientes relacionados con el consentimiento informado. Lugar de aplicación: Hospital general de agudos provincial y sociedad académica. Diseño: Entrevista personal con pacientes internados y encuesta semiestructurada para el resto de la población. Población: Comunidad hospitalaria (148 pacientes internados, 232 médicos, 103 estudiantes de medicina, 117 enfermeras y 106 técnicos) y 67 Académicos de Cirugía. Métodos: Análisis estadísticos y discusión de los hallazgos. Resultados: En situación de paciente, la mayoría de los sujetos (93,4 por ciento) desearía conocer la verdad. Creo que es su derecho. La proporción disminuye si se trata de un familiar del opinante (82,8 por ciento). Si el sujeto es un tercero, la obligatoriedad de informar es calificada como menor en relación con las anteriores (72,7 por ciento). La revelación de la información, asociada con la firma del formulario que certifica tal actividad, resultó ser la definición más frecuente de consentimiento informado. El derecho, como obligación legal de estar informado, no destaca como prioritario. El 89,4 por ciento adjudica al médico tratante y al encargado de efectuar la práctica la responsabilidad de informar. El 69 por ciento cree que corresponde a los Jefes exigir la gestión del CI, el 82,6 por ciento que impondrían tal obligación tal obligación si estuvieran a cargo del área. Entre ambas situaciones se detectan diferencias significativas. El 80,2 por ciento de los técnicos y enfermeras hospitalarios opina que se informa de manera inadecuada. La consistencia de las respuestas y el tamaño de la muestra (773 personas que comprenden el 50,7 por ciento de la población hospitalaria y el 55,8 por ciento de los Académicos) permiten considerar los resultados como representativos de ambos universos, aunque su composición no permite extrapolar conclusiones a la población general. Las tendencias observadas, merecen ser tomadas en consideración...