Osteoid Osteoma of the Toe: A Rare Presentation with Diagnostic Challenges.

Teaching Point: Osteoid osteoma is one of the most frequent benign bone tumors; however, when found in the toes it usually presents atypical clinical and radiological features including soft tissue swelling that can lead to misdiagnosis.

Short- and long-term results for severe hallux valgus correction using a first metatarsal distal osteotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the short- and long-term results of severe hallux valgus (HV) treated with a L-Reverse osteotomy. METHODS: Patients treated with L-Reverse osteotomy for severe HV between the years 2006-2015 were included. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3 months and 4 or more years postoperatively. Changes in the HV angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) were measured. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the AOFAS score. RESULTS: 28 patients were included. Pre-operative IMA changed from 18.1° (18-18.9°) to 7° (6.3-8.5°), and HVA from 38.5° (34.5-41.3°) to 10.0° (8.4-11.8°) at 3 month follow up (p < 0.005). Long term follow up was of 5.6 (4.9-6.4) years. IMA value was 7.5° (6.1°-8.1°) and HVA was 10.1° (6.7°-16.3°), with no statistical difference with initial correction (p = 0.14). Median AOFAS score was 92.7 (89-4-96.1). CONCLUSION: L-Reverse osteotomy can achieve correction of HV severe deformities with good outcomes in long term follow up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A 3D-Printed Model of a Titanium Custom-Made Talus for the Treatment of a Chronic Infection of the Ankle.

Osteoarticular infections are challenging and difficult to treat. The use of innovative technologies like 3D printing already employed in other types of surgeries and pathologies can suppose a great asset to tackle the problem and improve functional results. We present a case of an osteoarticular infection of an ankle treated with a custom-made titanium talus made with 3D metal printing technology: A 63-year-old patient, with chronic infection of the ankle. A 2-staged surgery was performed, with a hand-made cement spacer used during the first stage and the implantation of a custom-made titanium talus with an arthrodesis nail in the second stage. After a 2-year follow-up, a good clinical evolution was achieved, with no signs of reactivation of the infection, no pain, good skin condition and optimal functionality: functional gait pattern without pain and any external aids.

Functional results and quality of life after joint preserving or sacrificing surgery in Charcot-Marie-Tooth foot deformities.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the functional results, quality of life, and complications in two groups of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) patients according to the type of surgical operations, joint preserving, or joint sacrificing surgery. METHODS: Fifty-two feet in forty-six patients with CMT who had undergone surgical deformity correction were divided into two groups based on the main surgical procedure for the correction: Class I (joint preserving surgery) and class II (joint sacrificing surgery). Foot ankle disability index (FADI) and short form 12 version 2 (SF12V2) were documented pre-operative and 12 months post-operative. The complications of both groups were monitored with a mean follow-up time of 20.5 months (range, 13-71.5). RESULTS: After surgical treatment, FADI scores showed differences (p=0.005) between both groups. The functional improvement was 29 (20-46; p<0.001) in class I and 10 (2-36; p=0.001) in class II. The patients in both groups acquired a better quality of life as demonstrated in physical component summary of SF12 but without statistically difference. Three feet needed reintervention in class I (two for cavovarus recurrence and one for hallux flexus) at the end of follow-up. In contrast, five feet needed a new operation for cavovarus recurrence, claw toes recurrence, and ankle osteoarthritis after the progression of the condition. DISCUSSION: An early surgical intervention to neutralize the deforming forces in CMT patients could be a useful strategy to delay or prevent the need for extensive reconstruction and potential future complications. CONCLUSION: Based on the type of surgical intervention in CMT patients, the joint preserving surgery in addition to soft tissue balancing procedures obtained better functional outcomes and lower rate of complications when compared to the group of joint sacrificing surgery.

Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI with 18F-FDG PET/CT to differentiate osteomyelitis from Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy in diabetic foot.

PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast-enhanced-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) involving two region of interest (ROI) sizes with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) to differentiate diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) from Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CN). METHOD: Thirty-one diabetic patients were included in this prospective study. Two readers independently evaluated DWI (apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC] and high-b-value signal pathological-to-normal bone ratio [DWIr]) and DCE-MRI parameters (Ktrans, Kep, Ve, internal area under the gadolinium curve at 60 s [iAUC60] and time intensity curve [TIC]) using two different ROI sizes, and 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters (visual assessment, SUVmax, delayed SUVmax, and percentage changes between SUVmax and delayed SUVmax). Techniques were compared by univariate analysis using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]. Reliability was analyzed with Kappa and Intraclass correlation [ICC]. RESULTS: DWIr, Ktrans and iAUC60 showed better diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.814-0.830) and reliability (ICC > 0.9) for large than for small ROIs (AUC = 0.736-0.750; ICC = 0.6 in Ktrans, 0.8 in DWIr and iAUC60). TIC showed moderate diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.739-0.761) and reliability (κ 0.7). Visual assessment of 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a significantly higher accuracy (AUC = 0.924) than MRI parameters. Semi-quantitative 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters did not provide significant improvement over visual analysis (AUC = 0.848-0.903). CONCLUSION: DWIr, Ktrans and iAUC60 allowed reliable differentiation of DFO and CN, particularly for large ROIs. Visual assessment of 18F-FDG PET/CT was the most accurate technique for differentiation.

Arthroscopic all-inside ATiFL's distal fascicle transfer for ATFL's superior fascicle reconstruction or biological augmentation of lateral ligament repair.

PURPOSE: Tendon grafts are often utilized for reconstruction of the lateral ligaments unamenable to primary repair. However, tendon and ligaments have different biological roles. The anterior tibiofibular ligament's (ATiFL) distal fascicle may be resected without compromising the stability of the ankle joint. The aim of this study is to describe an all-arthroscopic and intra-articular surgical technique of ATiFL's distal fascicle transfer for the treatment of chronic ankle instability. METHODS: Five unpaired cadaver ankles underwent arthroscopic ATiFL's distal fascicle transfer using a non-absorbable suture and a knotless anchor. Injured or absent ATiFL's distal fascicle were excluded from the study. Following arthroscopy, the ankles were dissected and evaluated for entrapment of nearby adjacent anatomical structures. The ligament transfer was also assessed. The distance between the anterolateral (AL) portals and the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) was measured and the shortest distance was reported. RESULTS: All specimens revealed successful transfer of the tibial origin of the ATiFL's distal fascicle onto the talar insertion of anterior talofibular ligament's (ATFL) superior fascicle. The fibular origin of the ATiFL's distal fascicle remained intact. There were no specimens with SPN or extensor tendon entrapment. The median distance between the proximal AL portal and SPN was 3.8 mm. The median distance between the distal AL portal and SPN was 3.9 mm. CONCLUSION: An all-arthroscopic approach to an ATiFL's distal fascicle transfer is a reliable method to reconstruct the ATFL's superior fascicle. Transfer of ATiFL's distal fascicle avoids the need for tendon harvest or allograft. The lack of injury to nearby adjacent structures suggests that it is a safe procedure. The clinical relevance of the study is that ATiFL's distal fascicle can be arthroscopically transferred to be used as a biological reinforcement of the ATFL repair, or as an ATFL reconstruction.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with distal tibial allograft for massive bone deficits in the ankle.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of distal tibial structural allograft to obtain a stable TTC fusion. METHODS: Retrospectively, ten patients were carried out with a minimum one year follow-up. The median age was 72 (33-81). The median BMI was 28 (24-33). Indications for TTC arthrodesis included failed total ankle arthroplasty (n=7 patients), prior nonunion (n=2 patients), and a trauma injury. RESULTS: Union rate was 80%. The median initial height of the distal tibial allograft was 19mm (14-24mm). In seven cases the allograft did not lose height. The AOFAS score median was 69 (31-84). SF-12 median physical component was 39 (30-53), and 59 (23-62) for mental component. The VAS median was 2 (0-8). CONCLUSIONS: TTC using distal tibial allograft shows a lower rate of collapse than other structural grafts and provides a fusion rate higher or in accordance with the literature. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Role of Extra-articular Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis and Posterior Approach in Highly Complex Cases.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a procedure commonly used as salvage surgery for various pathologic processes that compromise the ankle and subtalar joints. It is a reasonably standardized procedure when performed as a primary surgery in advanced stages of TTC arthritis. For such cases, there are several alternative approaches, fixation materials, and bone substitutes that can be used. Most represent valid options with similar results in the literature. However, in highly complex cases requiring TTC arthrodesis, the options for the approach and fixation material can be limited. Understanding the alternative approaches and techniques is of great help to the surgeon when faced with highly complex cases, such as patients with multiple previous operations, lack of bone stock, severe deformities, or compromise of associated soft tissues. In this article, we describe the role of the posterior approach with some technical variation that allows extra-articular arthrodesis in highly complex cases, and we present a series of patients with tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis who were operated on using this technique. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis via posterior approach between 2008 and 2016. The surgeries were performed by 2 different surgeons with the same technique (posterior approach with sliding graft) but 2 different fixation methods. Radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) studies were reviewed and patient satisfaction was rated using the Coughlin scale. Mean follow-up was 38 months. We identified 20 patients. The mean age was 51.2 years; 11 patients had post-traumatic arthritis whereas the others had other causes of arthritis (inflammatory disease, neurologic deformity, etc). RESULTS: The arthrodesis was performed using a tibiotalocalcaneal plate in 9 patients and retrograde intramedullary nail in 11 patients. Radiographic fusion was observed at an average of 3.1 months. Four patients had complications and 15 reported good or excellent results after surgery. CONCLUSION: Our study found a fusion rate comparable to other studies in highly complex cases. There were no operative wound complications. We observed that the posterior approach, with an extra-articular fusion procedure, was a valid option for salvage surgery in highly complex cases that require tibiotalocalcaneal fusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Correlation Between Visual Inspection and Ultrasonography to Identify the Distal Branches of the Superficial Peroneal Nerve: A Cadaveric Study.

The anatomy of the superficial peroneal nerve (SPN) and, more precisely, of the distal branches of the SPN at the ankle has attracted interest owing to the possibility of injury when performing ankle arthroscopy. The anterolateral portal is one of the most commonly used portals in ankle arthroscopy, and the intermediate dorsal cutaneous nerve can easily be injured during portal placement. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether visual inspection and palpation of the cutaneous nerves at the ankle differed from examination with ultrasonography and whether the 2 examination techniques correlated with the anatomic location of the SPN, which was verified by cadaver dissection. First, visual examination and palpation was performed to identify the SPN, after which 12 cadaver legs from separate specimens were examined with ultrasonography to mark the course of the SPN. We then measured the distance between the nerve as identified with gross visualization/palpation and ultrasound examination, and compared these with the precise location determined by anatomic dissection. The use of ultrasonography to determine the course of the SPN was good or excellent in 11 of the 12 legs (91.7%) studied. In contrast, gross visualization/palpation was good or excellent in 4 legs (33.3%). Excellent agreement was observed between the ultrasound markings and the anatomic dissection results. However, the visual examination poorly identified the course and the anatomic variations of the nerve branches evidenced in the anatomic dissection. From these findings in cadaver specimens, ultrasound identification of the SPN and its branches is likely preferable to gross visualization/palpation before placement of the anterolateral arthroscopic portal to the ankle.

Evaluation of first metatarsal head declination through a modified distal osteotomy in hallux rigidus surgery. A cadaveric model.

BACKGROUND: First metatarsal osteotomies have been described for treatment of hallux rigidus. Most of these techniques result in declination of the first metatarsal head through shortening of the metatarsal and transfer metatarsalgia may result. Our objective was to evaluate the declination effect of a distal metatarsal osteotomy when different angulations and lateral translations are applied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cadaveric study was conducted performing a modified distal oblique osteotomy, which produces head declination while limiting shortening. Several transverse inclination angles (0-10-20-30-40°) were used. Thereafter, plantar translation of the metatarsal head was registered at different lateral displacements (1, 3, 5mm). RESULTS: Twenty-two specimens were included. Three feet were operated on with a 0° of angulation in the transverse plane, 6 with 10°, 5 with 20°, 5 with 30°, and 3 with 40°. Head declination significantly increased with higher angulation and with greater lateral translations (p<0.001), but the interrelationship between these two variables did not achieve statistical significance (p=0.597). In regards to angulation, significant differences in head declination were found between 0° (0.1-0.7 mm), 10°-20° (0.5-1.2mm) and 30°-40° (1.3-2.4mm). The metatarsal sesamoid joint was compromised when the osteotomy was performed at a 40° inclination angle. CONCLUSIONS: Metatarsal head declination is determined by the inclination angle of the oblique limb of the osteotomy and lateral displacement of the metatarsal head. Our results suggest that the effect of lateral displacement is an independent factor from angulation. The latter may impact surgery planning and may improve clinical outcome by selecting a safer inclination angle when lateral displacement of the metatarsal head is being considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-A, systematic review with homogeneity of cohort studies.

Comparison of postoperative costs of two surgical techniques for hallux valgus (Kramer vs. scarf).

BACKGROUND: Most studies of hallux valgus surgery focus on the radiological findings or on medium-term clinical follow-up. The results obtained using various osteotomy techniques do not differ greatly. However, patient comfort and the need for postoperative care do appear to present differences. In the Kramer technique, the osteotomy is secured with a wire extruding from the skin of the foot. In this situation, patients may well experience problems (or at least discomfort) in the immediate postoperative period. Previous studies of the Kramer technique (also known as SERI, or percutaneous distal metatarsal osteotomy) do not report an increased number of complications. Early complications may not influence the outcome in the medium to long term, and patient discomfort during the postoperative period is rarely reflected in the analysis of one-year results obtained with standard scales such as AOFAS; in our experience, however, patient discomfort, the care burden (i.e., the number of visits and emergency service consultations) and the economic cost of immediate postoperative care are all aspects that should be borne in mind when assessing the merits of different surgical techniques. In this study we compare the care burden and economic cost of two surgical approaches to hallux valgus correction--the Kramer and the scarf techniques--during the first postoperative year. METHODS: Retrospective review of two independent patient cohorts. Sixty-nine feet underwent Kramer osteotomy and 133 the scarf technique. Care burden was assessed by the number of visits each patient required and the complications. The follow-up and costs of each were assessed and compared independently. RESULTS: Both techniques obtain satisfactory clinical results at one year. However, comparison of clinical progression showed AOFAS score increases of 34.7 points for Kramer and 41.1 points for the scarf technique (p-value<0.05). Patients in the Kramer group required a higher number of visits, especially postoperative emergency department visits (p<0.05), and had a significantly higher number of complications (27.5% vs. 6.7%, p<0.05). The mean cost of follow-up was significantly higher in the Kramer group (€ 218.97 vs. € 171.41, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kramer osteotomy presented significantly higher care burdens, complication rates and associated costs during the first year of follow-up. It is therefore a less cost-effective technique. Thus, even though according to the results of AOFAS we would not have changed our clinical practice, the analysis of these data has made us change our treatment strategy for hallux valgus and practically abandoned the use of the Kramer osteotomies.

The retromalleolar compression test: a useful exploratory maneuver in the clinical evaluation of flexor hallucis longus rupture.

The clinical examination of ruptures of the flexor hallucis longus can be difficult, especially spontaneous defects that arise without a definitive history of trauma. Advanced imaging, in particular, magnetic resonance imaging, can be a useful adjunct to the clinical examination. However, we believe that a simple clinical maneuver can be used to reliably ascertain the presence of a rupture of the flexor hallucis longus.

Ultrasound-guided ankle block for forefoot surgery: the contribution of the saphenous nerve.

BACKGROUND: Ankle blocks typically include the block of 5 nerves, the 4 branches that trace their origin back to the sciatic nerve plus the saphenous nerve (SaN). The sensory area of the SaN in the foot is variable. Based on our clinical experience, we decided to study the sensory distribution of the SaN in the foot and determine whether the block of this nerve is necessary as a component of an ultrasound-guided ankle block for bunion surgery. METHODS: One hundred patients scheduled for bunion surgery under ankle block were prospectively studied. We performed ultrasound-guided individual blocks of the tibial, deep peroneal, superficial peroneal, and sural nerves. After obtaining complete sensory block of these nerves, we mapped the SaN sensory territory as such area without anesthesia on the medial side of the foot. RESULTS: Every nerve block was successful within 10 minutes of injection. The saphenous territory extended into the foot to 57 ± 13 mm distal to the medial malleolus. This distal margin was 22 ± 11 mm proximal to the first tarsometatarsal joint. The proximal end of the surgical incision was located 1 cm distal to the first tarsometatarsal joint. In only 3 patients (3%), the area of SaN innervation reached the proximal end of the planned incision. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided ankle block is a highly effective technique for bunion surgery. The sensory territory of the SaN in the foot seems to extend only to the midfoot. According to our sample, 97% of the patients undergoing bunion surgery under an ankle block would not benefit from having a SaN block.

Myositis ossificans mimicking parosteal osteosarcoma: a case report and literature review.

Myossitis ossificans (MO) is an aberrant reparative process that causes benign heterotopic ossification in soft tissue. We report a case of MO presenting as a large mass located at the dorsal aspect of the distal thigh, with no history of trauma, with radiological and clinical features mimicking parosteal sarcoma. An incisional biopsy was performed and the mass was excised. The histological features identified the lesion as MO. In half of the cases, these ossifications may adhere to the periosteum. In these cases, the lesion is known as parosteal MO, which may be confused with a parosteal osteosarcoma. This parosteal MO seldom becomes malignant. We emphasize the importance of a differential diagnosis of MO, since these lesions may simulate tumours and lead to misdiagnosis.

Analysis of the clinical score progressions during the first year after first MTPJ fusion.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is an effective procedure for many foot pathologies. Many studies have focused on the moment at which joint fusion is carried out, or on the medium- and long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical progression of patients, evaluating both pain and changes on the AOFAS scale at various points during the first postoperative year. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study with 49 patients was conducted. The AOFAS scale and pain was collect both preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months after first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis with 20-mm memory compression staples. The data obtained were analyzed for functional status and pain during the first year after surgery. RESULTS: The mean preoperative AOFAS score was 39 compared with a mean postoperative score at 1-year followup of 85. The results of the AOFAS scale at 3- and 6-months post-surgery showed considerable variation. In contrast, at 12 months the mean results tended to converge, thus suggesting greater reliability in the prognosis. The change in pain over time differs from the AOFAS. Pain improved rapidly during the first 6 months; it peaked during the first 3 months, but the data suggests that it was from 6 months onward that prediction of pain levels begin to be more predictable and consistent. CONCLUSION: The present results show that scores on the AOFAS scale and for pain improve progressively throughout the first year following first MTPJ fusion. At 3 months the results for both pain and the AOFAS scale had a low predictive value due to the wide variation in scores. However, at 6 months, pain stabilized and scores showed greater precision, thus increasing the predictive value of the results. With the AOFAS scale, there continued to be considerable variation at 6 months, and it was not until 1-year post surgery that scores showed an acceptable degree of precision.

[Thromboprophylaxis in patients with previous thromboembolic disease who require major orthopedic surgery]. / Profilaxis de la trombosis en pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad tromboembólica tributarios de cirugía ortopédica mayor.

Postoperative thromboembolic risk depends on both the patient's predisposing factors and on the surgical procedure. Patients with an objective history of venous thromboembolism who require orthopedic surgery are considered to be at very high postoperative risk. However, no specific prophylactic guidelines have been established for this group. Surgeons and patients have to choose between deciding against surgery or accepting a very high possibility of thromboembolic complications. We believe that this group of patients should be treated with an intensive prophylactic protocol combining physical (impulsion foot pump), pharmacological treatment (low molecular weight heparin [LMWH] administered at therapeutic doses from the third postoperative day) and eventually mechanical methods (removable vena caval filter). This intensive prophylactic protocol has been employed in our hospital since 2003, when we initiated an observational, prospective study in 20 patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) undergoing major pelvic or lower limb orthopedic surgery. Eighteen patients received postoperative physical prophylaxis and 1 month of therapeutic doses of LMWH. Two patients also received mechanical prophylaxis with a removable vena caval filter. Systematic venography and pulmonary scintigraphy performed 1 month after surgery allowed the diagnosis and treatment of one asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and one asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). Moreover, a massive thrombi retained by the removable vena caval filter was detected in another patient. There were no bleeding events leading to reoperation or deaths. Systematic application of our intensive prophylactic protocol for patients with a history of VTE was safe and effective in preventing thromboembolic recurrence after major orthopedic surgery.

Profilaxis de la trombosis en pacientes con antecedentes de enfermedad tromboembólica tributarios de cirugía ortopédica mayor / Thromboprophylaxis in patients with previous thromboembolic disease who require major orthopedic surgery

El riesgo tromboembólico postoperatorio depende de factores propios del paciente y del procedimiento quirúrgico. Los pacientes que ya han sufrido un evento tromboembólico y son tributarios de cirugía ortopédica mayor constituyen el grupo de mayor riesgo. Sin embargo, no se han publicado recomendaciones de consenso específicas para este grupo de pacientes. Cirujanos y pacientes deben escoger entre renunciar a la cirugía o asumir una alta probabilidad de que se produzcan complicaciones tromboembólicas. Estos pacientes son tributarios de una profilaxis tromboembólica intensiva combinando medios físicos (bomba de impulsión plantar), farmacológicos (heparina de bajo peso molecular a dosis terapéuticas a partir del tercer día postoperatorio) y, en caso de tromboembolia pulmonar recurrente, además, medios mecánicos (filtro temporal de vena cava). Este protocolo intensivo se emplea en nuestro hospital desde el año 2003, cuando se inició un estudio prospectivo observacional sobre un total de 20 pacientes con antecedentes tromboembólicos tributarios de cirugía ortopédica mayor en la pelvis o las extremidades inferiores. En 18 pacientes la profilaxis tromboembólica consistió en la aplicación de bomba de impulsión venosa plantar y heparina de bajo peso molecular a dosis terapéuticas durante 1 mes en el postoperatorio. En 2 pacientes se indicó además la colocación de filtro temporal en la vena cava inferior. Mediante gammagrafía pulmonar y flebografía sistemáticas un mes después de la cirugía, se han detectado y tratado 1 trombosis venosa profunda y 1 tromboembolia pulmonar asintomáticas. Además, se objetivó un trombo masivo retenido por el filtro de cava en otro paciente. No se han producido reintervenciones por hemorragias ni complicaciones fatales. La aplicación sistemática de nuestro protocolo de profilaxis tromboembólica intensiva a los pacientes con antecedentes trombóticos se ha mostrado efectiva y segura en la prevención de nuevos episodios en relación con cirugía ortopédica de alto riesgo

Postoperative thromboembolic risk depends on both the patient’s predisposing factors and on the surgical procedure. Patients with an objective history of venous thromboembolism who require orthopedic surgery are considered to be at very high postoperative risk. However, no specific prophylactic guidelines have been established for this group. Surgeons and patients have to choose between deciding against surgery or accepting a very high possibility of thromboembolic complications. We believe that this group of patients should betreated with an intensive prophylactic protocol combining physical (impulsion foot pump), pharmacological treatment (low molecular weight heparin [LMWH] administered at therapeutic doses from thethird postoperative day) and eventually mechanical methods (removable vena caval filter). This intensive prophylactic protocol has been employed in our hospital since 2003, when we initiated an observational,prospective study in 20 patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (VTE) undergoing major pelvic or lower limb orthopedic surgery.Eighteen patients received postoperative physical prophylaxis and 1 month of therapeutic doses of LMWH. Two patients also received mechanical prophylaxis with a removable vena caval filter. Systematic venography and pulmonary scintigraphy performed 1 month after surgeryallowed the diagnosis and treatment of one asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and one asymptomatic pulmonary embolism (PE). Moreover, a massive thrombi retained by the removable vena caval filter was detected in another patient. There were no bleedingevents leading to reoperation or deaths. Systematic application of our intensive prophylactic protocol for patients with a history of VTE was safe and effective in preventing thromboembolic recurrence after majororthopedic surgery