Comparison of decrease in elbow flexion strength in patients after tenotomy and tenodesis of the long head of the biceps brachii.

NTRODUCTION: The last two decades have been leading to the development of several types of surgical techniques and procedures to manage the LHB lesions. This paper analyses and compares the difference in muscle strength pre- and post-operatively in two most commonly used surgical procedures - LHB tenotomy and tenodesis. METHOD: The study includes 68 patients who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2020. The patients who had met the prospective study inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on type of surgery they had undergone (LHB tenotomy or tenodesis); each group consisted of 34. The muscle strength during elbow flexion was measured preoperatively and postoperatively using the Commander Echo Console ultrasound muscle testing device. All patients enrolled in the study had been assessed for elbow flexion strength preoperatively. The muscle strength was measured preoperatively and then 3 years postoperatively (12 to 60 months) on average. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed that the patients who had undergone LHB tenodesis show a significantly lower decrease in elbow flexion strength and a significantly lower incidence of "Popeye" deformity than the patients after LHB tenotomy. Moreover, in the tenodesis group, it was possible to initiate rehabilitation earlier. The incidence of postoperative complications was almost identical in both groups of patients (Tab. 10, Fig. 6, Ref. 40).

Meralgia Paresthetica-An Approach Specific Neurological Complication in Patients Undergoing DAA Total Hip Replacement: Anatomical and Clinical Considerations.

Introduction: Mini-invasive surgical (MIS) approaches to total hip replacement (THR) are becoming more popular and increasingly adapted into practice. THR via the direct anterior approach (MIS DAA) has become a rather controversial topic in hip arthroplasty literature in the last decades. Our retrospective observational study focuses on the prevalence of one approach-specific complication-lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) iatrogenic lesion-and tries to clarify the possible pathogenesis of this injury. Methods: This is a retrospective single-cohort observational single-center and single-surgeon study. Our patient records were searched for the period from 2015 to 2017-after a safe period of time after the learning curve for MIS DAA. All intra- and post-operative lesions of the LFCN were recorded. Lesion of the LFCN was confirmed by a neurological examination. Minimum patient follow-up was 2 years. Results: This study involved 417 patients undergoing single-side THR via MIS DAA. Patients were examined on follow-up visits at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. There were 17 cases of LCFN injury at the 6 weeks early follow-up visit (4.1%). All cases of clinically presenting LFCN injury resolved at the 2-year follow-up ad integrum. Discussion: Possible explanations of such neurological complications are direct iatrogenic injury, vigorous traction, hyperextension, or extreme external rotation of the operated limb. Use of a traction table or concomitant spinal pathology and deformity also play a role. Prevention involves stepwise adaptation of the approach during the learning curve period by attending cadaver lab courses, rational use of traction and hyperextension, and careful surgical technique in the superficial and deep fascial layers. Dynamometers could be used to visualise the limits of manipulation of the operated limb. Conclusions: Neurological complications are not as rare but questionably significant in patients undergoing THR via the DAA. Incidental finding of LFCN injury has no effect on the functional outcome of the artificial joint. It can lead to lower subjective satisfaction of patients with the operation, which can be avoided with careful education and management of expectations of the patients.

Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Management of Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement with Concurrent Disorders of Spinopelvic Anatomy: A Narrative Review.

Despite the high success rate of primary total hip replacement (THR), a significant early revision rate remains, which is largely attributed to instability and dislocations. Despite the implants being placed according to the safe zone philosophy of Lewinnek, occurrence of THR dislocation is not an uncommon complication. Large diagnostic and computational model studies have shown variability in patients' mobility based on the individual anatomic and functional relationship of the hip-pelvis-spine complex. The absolute and relative position of hip replacement components changes throughout motion of the patient's body. In the case of spinopelvic pathology such as spine stiffness, the system reaches abnormal positional states, as shown with computerized models. The clinical result of such pathologic hip positioning is edge loading, implant impingement, or even joint dislocation. To prevent such complications, surgeons must change the dogma of single correct implant positioning and take into account patients' individualized anatomy and function. It is essential to broaden the standard diagnostics and their anatomical interpretation, and correct the pre-operative surgical planning. The need for correct and personalized implant placement pushes forward the development and adaptation of novel technologies in THR, such as robotics. In this current concepts narrative review, we simplify the spinopelvic biomechanics and pathoanatomy, the relevant anatomical terminology, and the diagnosis and management algorithms most commonly used today.

Camptodactyly: From Embryological Basis to Surgical Treatment.

Camptodactyly is a relatively rare hand deformity presenting as the proximal interphalangeal joint's nontraumatic and progressive flexion contracture. Most cases are limited to the fifth finger. The severity and type of camptodactyly should be considered to optimize treatment. Since many structures at the finger base can be involved in the pathogenesis of the deformity, surgical treatment for this particular type of deformity is challenging. This paper aims to bring insight into camptodactyly's pathogenesis and treatment options. We discuss the indication and pitfalls of surgical treatment options for particular camptodactyly types and present a case of a fourteen-year-old boy who was admitted to our department with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the left fifth digit.

Congenital Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis in an Elite Athlete-Case Report.

Background and Objectives: Proximal radioulnar synostosis (PRUS) is the most frequent congenital forearm disorder, although the prevalence in the general population is rare with a few hundred cases reported. Pfeiffer, Poland, Holt-Oram, and other serious congenital syndromes contain this abnormality. Non-syndromic cases with isolated PRUS very often exhibit as SMAD6, NOG genes variants, or sex chromosome aneuploidy. A subgroup of patients with haematological abnormalities presents with HOXA11 or MECOM genes variants. Case report: We present a non-syndromic adult elite ice-hockey player with unilateral proximal radioulnar synostosis of the left forearm. In early childhood he was able to handle the hockey stick only as a right-handed player and the diagnosis was set later at the age of 8 years due to lack of supination. Cleary-Omer Type III PRUS was found on x-ray with radial head hypoplasia and mild osteophytic degenerative changes of humeroulnar joint. Since the condition had minimal impact on sports activities, surgical intervention was not considered. The player continued his ice-hockey career at the top level and joined a national team for top tournaments. Upper extremity function assessment with questionnaires and physical testing resulted in minimal impairment. The most compromised tool was the Failla score with 10 points from a total of 15. Genetic testing with Sanger sequencing revealed no significant pathogenic variant in SMAD6, NOG, and GDP5 genes. No potentially pathogenic copy number variants were detected by array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Conclusions: In the reported case, the ability of an athlete to deal with an anatomic variant limiting the forearm supination is demonstrated. Nowadays, a comprehensive approach to rule out more complex musculoskeletal impairment and family burden is made possible by evolving genetics.

Isolated acetabular revision with modular trabecular titanium implants using tap-out tap-in technique of femoral cemented monoblock reinsertion.

OBJECTIVES:  To evaluate the role of isolated acetabular revision with modular trabecular titanium implants using simple extraction and reinsertion of femoral monoblock cemented stem (tap-out tap-in technique). BACKROUND: In the past years, we face the burden of revising hip arthroplasties in predominantly elderly population. METHODS: Single institution retrospective analysis of 17 hips in 16 patients with previous cemented total hip arthroplasty implanted between 1988 and 2007. These patients underwent isolated acetabular revision between 2010 and 2018 using modular acetabular Delta Trabecular Titanium (TT) system (Limacorporate S.p.a, Udine, Italy) with impaction bone grafting and reverse reamed allografts. Non-modular polished cemented stems (Poldi-Cech monoblock) were reinserted without additional cementing. RESULTS: Out of the total cohort (17 hips), 14 hips showed no signs of loosening or graft resorption as well as no femoral loosening during the median follow­up period of 5.1 (2 to 8.5 years). In one patient, fracture of cranial acetabular module occurred 4 months after the revision, one patient sustained two hip dislocations, and one patient developed deep infection resulting in permanent implant removal. CONCLUSION: Isolated acetabular revision using modular trabecular titanium implant with reinsertion of the original non-modular monoblock cemented femoral stem is a safe and effective technique in adequately selected patients (Tab. 3, Fig. 4, Ref. 30).

Evaluation of efficacy and safety of systemic and topical intra-articular administration of tranexamic acid in primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent used to reduce bleeding in major surgical procedures. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the systemic and topical intra-articular administration of TXA in total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Patients (N = 123) scheduled for primary unilateral THA were divided into 3 treatment groups: control group; TXA, systemic, repeated 1 g bolus; TXA, topically intra-articularly, 2 g in 50 mL saline. Primary readouts used were intra- and postoperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, postoperative hemoglobin levels and complications. RESULTS: Both systemic and topical intra-articular TXA administrations decreased bleeding and transfusion requirements. Topical intra-articular use of TXA led to the reduction in intraoperative and postoperative bleeding and affected hemoglobin levels compared with control. Systemic administration of TXA led to a significant reduction of postoperative bleeding and transfusion rate compared with control and was not different in efficacy and complication incidence when compared to topical administration of TXA. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in THA is an effective and safe concept in practice. The dose of 2 g TXA topically intra-articularly and a repeated bolus of 1 g TXA systematic led to lower intra- and postoperative bleeding and a significantly lower transfusion rate than the control group. Topical intra-articular TXA administration could be a reasonable alternative in high-risk patients.

Correction to: Endorsement by Central European experts of the revised ESCEO algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis.

In the Original Publication, the e-mail address of the author Milan Petronijevic is incorrect. The correct e-mail address is milanpetronijevic@yahoo.com.

Endorsement by Central European experts of the revised ESCEO algorithm for the management of knee osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by deterioration of the joints and associated with considerable pain and disability. OA is a chronic disease that requires intervention with both non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment modalities and, inevitably, disease progression may necessitate successive treatments throughout the course of the disease. There is increasing data on the shortfalls of current pharmacological treatment of OA, and safety concerns associated with analgesic therapy use in OA arising from increasing evidence of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hepatic and renal adverse events with paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Consequently, symptomatic slow-acting drugs for OA (SYSADOAs) may now be considered as a first-line treatment for knee OA, with a particular emphasis placed on the outstanding benefit: risk ratio of pharmaceutical-grade glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate formulations. In this short communication we review recent publications concerned with the safety of paracetamol, NSAIDs and SYSADOAs. Greater understanding of the benefits and limitations of current medications will lead to better disease management in OA. Furthermore, adherence to guideline recommendations across Europe and internationally, such as those from the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO), will promote evidence-based medicine and patient-centric care, ultimately leading to greater physician and patient satisfaction.

Cementless hip arthroplasty and transverse shortening femoral osteotomy with the S-ROM stem for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study has been to present outcomes after cementless arthroplasty for developmental dysplasia Crowe type IV of the hip, with transverse subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and using the S-ROM stem. METHODS: We evaluated radiographs, functional scores and complications in a consecutive series of 23 patients (28 hips) with high dislocation of the hip. The average age of patients at surgery was 49.9 (range 22-68) years. The operations were performed between 2007 and 2013. Patients were assessed retrospectively-clinically and radiographically during the year 2018. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 94 (range 60-134) months. The average Harris hip score improved from 39.9 to 84.0. The mean leg length discrepancy decreased from 5 cm preoperatively to 1.4 cm at the final follow-up. All acetabular components were implanted into the true acetabulum, and all prostheses were stable at the latest examination. No neurovascular damage was recorded. We have identified specific complications in seven hips (25%) in total: Intraoperative femoral fracture required fixation in four hips; three hips (10.7%) needed revision: Recurrent dislocation, with the need for cup reorientation, occurred in two hips (in one of them, this was followed by the subsequent need for resection of heterotopic ossification); there was one aseptic stem loosening with the need of one-stage revision. All the osteotomies healed within 8 months. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroplasty with transverse shortening femoral osteotomy, using S-ROM stem, is an acceptable, but not complication-free treatment method in patients with Crowe type IV developmental hip dysplasia, in the midterm.

Acetabular revision arthroplasty using trabecular titanium implants.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate early results of acetabular revisions of total hip replacement using fully cementless trabecular titanium (TT) acetabular modular implants (Delta Trabecular Titanium, Limacorporate, Udine, Italy). METHODS: Between March 2009 and May 2012 TT was used in 81 revisions. The mean age at the time of revision was 68 years (32-84 years). There were nine patients revised for type 1, 11 for type 2A, 27 for type 2B, six for type 2C, 15 for type 3A and 13 for type 3B acetabular defects according to the Paprosky classification. Frozen morselised bone allografts were used in 53 cases and bulk structural allografts in three cases. Clinical evaluations were made using a modified functional Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score. The mean follow-up period was 38.14 months (24-62 months). RESULTS: The mean pre-operative Merle d'Aubigné-Postel functional score was 4.7 and 9.8 at the time of last follow-up. There was one revision due to instability of the acetabular component. A cage system-Delta Revision TT-was successfully used in this case. Three cases with Paprosky type 3B defect showed cranial migration of the acetabular component by 6 mm, but stabilised after six months. No dislocations associated with acetabular surgery have occurred in the cohort. There have been no dissociations of the modular component. A fatigue fracture of the hemispherical module occurred in the revised case. No other hardware mechanical failures have been recorded. CONCLUSIONS: TT cups, hemispherical modules and augments facilitate reliable and reproducible biological fixation in acetabular revision surgery with excellent results. Extended follow-up is necessary to evaluate the long-term performance of TT modular implants.

Minimally invasive hollow trephine technique is recommended for revision of broken uncemented and extensively porous-coated monolithic femoral stems: a review of three cases.

Revisions of fractured, uncemented and extensively porous-coated femoral stems are challenging. In this article, we report three cases of revision surgeries for broken, cementless, and extensively porous-coated femoral stems with Solution stems (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). In all cases, minimally invasive endofemoral revision was successfully performed without femoral osteotomy or cortical fenestration. Removal of distal broken femoral stem was performed with hollow trephine technique under fluoroscopy. For revision arthroplasty of the femoral component, Solution stems of larger diameter were used. Endofemoral approach reduces duration of surgery and the amount of blood and bone loss. Minimally invasive technique for broken and uncemented femoral stem is recommended.

FDG-PET in the Erdheim-Chester disease: its diagnostic and follow-up role.

A 62-year-old man presented with diabetes insipidus, pulmonary fibrosis, right atrial tumor and bilateral knee osteoarthritis with cystic lesions of distal femur and proximal tibia. Scintigraphy and histological examination of right femur bone biopsy revealed changes characterized for Paget's disease. Re-evaluation of the computer tomography (CT) scans and histological samples revealed diffuse infiltrates of foamy histiocytes in the bone marrow what was consistent with Erdheim-Chester disease. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed to access the activity and extent of disease.