The Use of a Simple Vaginal Speculum to Harvest Quadriceps Tendon Autografts for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction and Avoid Any Potential Pitfalls during Harvesting Procedure: Technical note.

This technical note aimed to present a straigthforward method for harvesting quadriceps tendon autografts with the use of a simple vaginal speculum and direct visualisation of a scope. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with quadriceps tendon autografts has gained popularity in recent years, with many harvesting techniques that use different harvesting systems available on the market. These techniques vary from transverse to longitudinal skin incisions and from open to minimally invasive approaches and have a learning curve, as with the majority of surgical procedures. The technique proposed in this technical note is minimally invasive, can be easily reproduced by any surgeon irrespective of their experience, has a short learning curve, requires no additional cost or technical support during the procedure and creates a stable working space that allows for freedom of manipulation of surgical instruments and the arthroscope.

Impact of Medical Education in Middle School, Directed by a Science Teacher and a Healthcare Professional, on Self-Medication and Care System Literacy. A Comparative Prospective Cohort Study.

Objectives:To assess the immediate and six-month follow-up effects of medical education simultaneously provided by a practitioner and a science teacher on middle school students regarding self-medication and knowledge of the healthcare system. Methods:Two groups were constituted: the learning group (L group), with students receiving an interactive medical education, and the control group (C group), which included students without medical education. Both groups were evaluated by using a six-multiple choice question (MCQ) evaluation form: three times for L group - just before the medical workshop (T0), immediately after the medical workshop (T1) and at six-month follow-up after the medical workshop (T2) - and only the evaluation at T0 for students in C group. Results:In L group (n=219), medical education improved all results of the evaluations related to self-medication skills (p<0.001) and knowledge of the healthcare medical system (p<0.001). Students retained their knowledge over time as no significant gap has been identified between T1 and T2 evaluations. Age, gender, grade and students' level did not have any impact on the results of L group. Students in L group had equivalent results to those in the C group (n=195) at T0 but the results increased at T1 (p<0.001) and T2 (p<0.001). Conclusion:Interactive medical education in middle school co-animated by a medical practitioner and a natural science teacher improves long-term teenagers' awareness of the current public health challenges.

Hypertrophied medial parapatellar plica: a case of a medial plica anatomical variation with insertion to the inter-meniscal ligament in an adolescent athlete treated arthroscopically.

PURPOSE: The present study aims to report the arthroscopic, radiological and clinical appearance of a rare anatomical variation of a hypertrophied medial parapatellar plica with its response to arthroscopic treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old female handball athlete presented with a history of left knee injury during her participation in a handball training session and subsequent locked knee at 20º flexion. Tenderness was located at the medial joint line. Plain radiographs of the injured knee were normal. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hypertrophic medial parapatellar plica and a horizontal tear of the medial meniscus. A standard knee arthroscopy was performed. An extremely hypertrophied medial plica was identified, covering a great part of the medial femoral condyle extending up to the femoral trochlea. Distally, it was attached into the inter-meniscal ligament. The plica was excised and the medial meniscus tear was repaired. At 1-month post-operatively, the patient was completely asymptomatic and at 3-months she returned to her weekly training routine. CONCLUSIONS: This study presented a rare anatomical variation of a hypertrophied medial parapatellar plica with atypical course in the medial patellofemoral compartment and insertion into the inter-meniscal ligament. In combination with a medial meniscus tear led to a locked knee. Arthroscopic medial meniscus repair and plica excision resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.

Anatomic Risk Factors for Patellofemoral Joint Instability: An Infographic as a Visual Learning Tool.

Patellofemoral instability is a complex pathology with multiple risk factors, which affects mostly young females and may avert them from both activities of daily living and sports participation. Risk factors for instability include patella alta, trochlea dysplasia, abnormal lateral patellar tilt, and increased tibial tuberosity-trochlea groove distance. The knowledge of these anatomical abnormalities is the key to identifying the problem and succeeding in treating the patients.

Surgical treatment of distal hamstring tendon injuries yield a higher return-to-sports rate: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the patient-reported outcomes and return to sports of the conservative and surgical treatment of distal hamstring tendon injuries. METHODS: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, two reviewers searched PubMed, Scopus and Virtual Health Library databases in January 2023. Clinical studies evaluating conservative or surgical management outcomes of distal hamstring tendon injuries were considered eligible for this systematic review if predefined criteria were fulfilled: (1) published in English or Spanish; (2) evaluated any of the following: patient-reported outcomes, return-to-sports rate (RTS-R) or return-to-sports time (RTS-T). Data were presented in tables using absolute values from individual studies and derived pooled percentages. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included for 67 patients and 68 distal hamstring tendon injuries. Initially, 39 patients (58.2%) underwent surgical treatment, whereas 28 (41.8%) were treated conservatively. Among conservative treatment patients, 15 failed and had to be operated on (53.6%), all with distal semitendinosus tendon injuries. Anchor fixation was the technique of choice in 20 lesions (36.4%), tenodesis in 16 (29.1%), tenectomy in 14 (25.5%) and sutures were preferred in five (9%). Thirteen out of 28 patients (46.4%) undergoing initial conservative treatment returned to sports at a mean of 3.6 months (range 1 week to 12 months), in contrast to surgical treatment, in which 36 out of 39 patients (92.3%) returned at a mean of 4.2 months (range 6 weeks to 12 months). Additionally, 14 of 15 patients (93.3%) converted to surgical treatment after failed conservative treatment returned to sports at a mean of 7.6 months after injury. CONCLUSION: Initial surgical treatment of distal hamstring tendon injuries yields a high RTS-R (92.3%) at a mean of 4.2 months. Furthermore, 15 out of 28 patients (53.6%) initially treated conservatively had to be operated on, delaying the RTS-T (mean 7.6 months after injury) without affecting their RTS-R. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Prior medial meniscus arthroscopy is not associated with worst functional outcomes in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty: A retrospective single-center study with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

INTRODUCTION: There have been controversial studies on the impact of prior knee arthroscopy (KA) on outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this comparative study is to investigate the impact of prior KA of medial meniscus on patients undergoing TKA by evaluating the International Knee Society Score (IKS), the complications, and revisions. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed 84 patients with TKA who had undergone prior KA of the medial meniscus and compared them to 84 cases, without a history of prior KA as a control group. Outcomes were assessed with the original IKS scores and complications. The mean follow-up was 8 years. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups with respect to demographics, or pre-operative IKS. The mean pre and postoperative IKS was not different between groups. The all-cause reoperation, revision, and complication rates of the KA group were not significantly higher than those of the control group. CONCLUSION: The present study seems to reveal that previous KA of the medial meniscus does not negatively affect a subsequent TKA. Nevertheless, larger studies may be necessary to confirm this observation.

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee Is a Nonisometric Thin Ligament With High Prevalence and Almost Constant Attachment to the Lateral Meniscus: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To provide comprehensive information about the anterolateral ligament (ALL) prevalence, morphometry, isometry, insertions, histology, and its relationship with the lateral meniscus (LM). METHODS: The study was performed, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eligible cadaveric studies investigating the frequency of the ALL presence, and anatomical features were identified through an online search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases from inception to June 2022. Statistical analysis was conducted with the open-source R programming language using the "meta" package. The Higgins I2 statistic was used for quantifying heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies (1,478 cadaveric knees) were included. The ALL had a 79% prevalence. It was attached to the LM periphery in 97% of studies. Most studies reported a femoral insertion of the ALL, just proximal and posterior to the lateral epicondyle. Tibial attachment is constant at the midpoint between Gerdy's tubercle and fibular head. The mean ALL thickness at the joint line was 1.6 [1.2; 2.0] mm. The ALL length was found to significantly change across the knee flexion (P < .01). It was increased from 0° to 60° and decreased after 60° flexion. Seven histological studies demonstrated a typical ligamentous microstructure. CONCLUSION: The ALL is a thin ligament, distinct to the knee capsule, which may be found in 79% of the knees having an almost constant attachment to the LM. The ALL is not isometric. It becomes tense during internal rotation and between 30° and 60° knee flexion. Pooled results should be interpreted with caution due to the high heterogeneity among the included studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study sheds light on controversial issues and provides comprehensive and accurate information about the essential anatomical knowledge on ALL, which may contribute to optimizing ALL reconstruction surgical techniques and biomechanical settings.

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in Adolescents: Functional Outcomes and Return to Physical Activity after Surgical Treatment.

Background: Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) represents a relatively common hip disorder in adolescents. The present retrospective study analyzes the correlation between age, severity of the slip and physeal stability and the functional outcomes, as well as the ability to return to previous physical activity (PA) of patients surgically treated with either pining in situ (PIS) or the modified Dunn (MD) procedure (anatomical reduction of the slipped epiphysis). Methods:The present research is a retrospective observational study of patients surgically treated for SCFE from 2010 to 2015. The sample was divided into two groups: those treated with PIS and those with the MD procedure. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between age, Loder classification (stable/unstable), as well as Southwick slip angle (severity of the slip) to return to previous PA. Furthermore, linear regression was used to investigate the association of the above predictor variables to Oxford and Harris hip scores (HHS). Results:A total of 32 patients were identified (16 treated with PIS and 16 with the MD procedure). None of the examined predictor variables (age, Southwick slip angle, Loder classification) had statistically significant effect on the ability to return to previous PA in either the in situ or Dunn group. Univariate analysis showed that higher patients' age at the time of surgery was related to worse HHS and Oxford scores in both the PIS and MD groups. Unstable hips seem to affect unfavorably the HHS. Conclusion:The present study did not reveal any relationship between the age, degree of the Southwick slip angle, the stability of the physis, and the return to PA. Exploration of additional confounding factors are warranted to better understand the physis-related impact on the functional outcomes in both groups.

Restoring the Anatomy of Long Bones with Large Septic Non-Union Defects with the Masquelet Technique.

Objectives: Septic non-union in long-bone fractures represents a challenging clinical entity. Management of lower extremity segmental bone defects, aiming to restore functional anatomy, remains extremely difficult and controversial. Masquelet technique is a reconstruction method for large diaphyseal bone defects, based on the notion of the induced membrane. The principle of the induced membrane is to create a foreign body reaction by placing cement spacer in the bone defect. The purpose of this study was to assess the success rate of induced membrane technique (IMT) in treating lower extremity large bone defects due to septic non-union. Methods:This is a retrospective observational study performed in a single referral center in France, Europe, which is specialized in complex bone and joint infections. All patients operated for septic non-union were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients treated with the IMT for septic femoral or tibial non-union between 2013 and 2017 were enrolled in this study. Exclusion criteria were infection of a continuous bone, aseptic non-union, or patients with less than one year of follow-up after antibiotic treatment ending. Results:Twenty-three cases (19 patients) with an average age of 41.3 years were included in the present study. There were 19 tibial and four femoral fractures. The mean bone defect was 65.3 mm. The mean time interval from initial trauma to the first surgical phase was 17 months, while that between the two surgical phases was 77.7 days. After the first surgical phase, samples were positive in 13 cases (68.5%), isolating Staphylococcus (26%) and more than one pathogen in 22% of cases. Bone union was successful in 16 of 23 cases (69.6%, 14 patients). There were seven failures: five amputations due to mechanical and/or infection-related failure and two failed unions. Conclusion:This study found that 69% of cases with septic non-union of tibial or femoral fracture treated with the two-step surgical protocol achieved bone union and infection eradication within about 13.2 months after the second stage of the procedure. The study revealed promising results in patients suffering large-size bone defect; hence, the IMT may prove beneficial in the management of such cases.

How often do we need offset stems for revision total knee arthroplasty? About a consecutive series of 789 knees.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the incidence of offset stem usage in revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA), and to assess the necessity for their use with the femoral and tibial components. METHODS: This retrospective radiological study included 862 patients who underwent rTKA between 2010 and 2022. Patients were divided into a non-stem group (group NS), offset stem group (group OS), and straight stem group (group SS). Two senior orthopedic surgeons evaluated all the post-operative radiographs of the group OS to assess the necessity of offset use. RESULTS: In total, 789 patients met all eligibility inclusion criteria and were reviewed (305 males (38.7%)) with a mean age of 72.7 ± 10.2 years old [39; 96]. Eighty-eight (11.1%) patients had undergone rTKA with offset stems (34 tibia, 31 femur, 24 both) and 609 (70.2%) with straight stems. The tibial and femoral stems were diaphyseal of over 75 mm in 83 revisions (94.3%) for group OS and 444 revisions (72.9%) for group SS (p < 0.001). Offset in the tibial component was located medially in 50% of rTKA, while the offset in the femoral component was placed anteriorly in 47.3% of the rTKA. Assessment by the two independent senior surgeons found stems were only necessary in 3.4% of cases. Offset stems were only required for the tibial implant. DISCUSSION: Offset stems were used in 11.1% of revision total knee replacements, however, they were deemed necessary in 3.4% and for the tibial component only.

Gross Measurement of Intraarticular Graft Length in All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

Intra articular length (IAL) of the graft has not been measured yet in anatomic, single bundle, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Especially in the all-inside ACL reconstruction technique, the IAL of the graft is of great importance due to the philosophy of the technique and the risk of graft "bottoming out". We present a simple arthroscopic measurement of the IAL of the ACL graft in anatomic, single bundle ACL reconstruction, that will allow optimal application of the all-inside technique.

Simple Arthroscopic Technique to Perform Retrograde Drilling for Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Condyles with the Use of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Guide.

This technical note describes a simple arthroscopic technique that was introduced without the need for further staff during an operation to address osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle. A 2.4 mm pin was positioned through the sleeve of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial guide and marked with a steri-strip at its body, aiming at 5-10 mm distance between the tips of guide and the pin. The steri-strip serves as a marker and as a stop for inadvertent violation of the cartilage. The tip of the ACL was positioned just over the bone lesion, while the marked 2.4 mm pin was inserted through the ACL tibial guide from anterior surface of the femur. A stab incision was made and without advancing the sleeve to the bone, the pin was drilled to the marked position while cartilage integrity was confirmed arthroscopically. This arthroscopic technique is simple, fast and effective and is performed without the need for special equipment.

Second hip fracture in older adults: incidence and risk factors.

PURPOSE: A second hip fracture can occur in older adults who have already suffered an initial hip fracture. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, mortality and risk factors for second hip fractures in older adults with hip fractures. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2019, 2013 patients (mean age: mean age 76.5 ± 5.4 SD) who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital for a hip fracture surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: those with a second hip fracture and those without a second hip fracture within the following two years after the initial fracture. RESULTS: 321 patients (15.9%, mean age: 85.3 ± 4.9 SD) sustained a second contralateral hip fracture, the first two years after the initial hip fracture whereas 136 patients (6.8%) sustained a contralateral hip fracture within 12 months. In total 274 (13.6%) died in the first two years after the initial hip fracture; among these, 139 patients (43.3%) had a contralateral second hip fracture. The mean time from the first hip fracture to second hip fracture was 13.2 ± 7.6 months. The advance age, female gender, living alone, dementia, chest and urinary tract infection, chronic heart failure, peripheral vascular disease were identified as risk factors for a second contralateral hip fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying risk factors for a second contralateral hip fracture can be particularly helpful in providing focused medical assistance.

Prosthetic Knee Joint Infection Due to Candida lusitaniae: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Odyssey: A Case Study.

Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by fungi, although relatively rare, represent a major surgery-related complication. An extremely rare fungal PJI, following revised total knee replacement (TKR) caused by Candida lusitaniae, is reported, and a meticulous review of similar cases is provided. A 74-year-old female, who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty 10 years ago and a revision surgery three weeks ago, presented with signs and symptoms of PJI. C. lusitaniae was eventually isolated from the periprosthetic tissue using the MALDI-TOF VitekMS-bioMérieux technique. Multiple strategies for managing this fungal PJI were performed, and finally, the patient was treated successfully with an intramedullary arthrodesis system and proper antifungal treatment, including fluconazole. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of such severe infections. In persistent cases and in cases where revision surgery is extremely difficult to perform, arthrodesis seems to be an effective solution for the elimination of the infection. The efficacy of the therapeutic management of fungal PJIs remains unclear. Therefore, more research should be reported, focusing on proper treatment so that the optimal strategy in treating these severe infections may be established.

A Prospective Randomized Comparative Study Between Midvastus and Standard Medial Parapatellar Approaches for Total Knee Replacement Regarding the Peri-Operative Factors.

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine whether the midvastus (MV) approach in patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR) results in differences regarding peri-operative parameters, such as surgical time, blood loss, transfusion need and complications, when compared with medial parapatellar approach (MP). Methods This was a prospective randomized comparative study of patients who received primary TKR. The first group consisted of patients where the MP approach was used and the second those where the MV approach was utilized. Patient's age, body mass index (BMI), stage of osteoarthritis (OA), prosthesis design, duration of surgery, blood loss in the drainage, hemoglobin (Hb), and intra-operative complications were recorded. Results From December 2019 to June 2020 a total of 107 (22 males, 85 females) and 38 (seven males, 31 females) patients were operated on with the MP and MV approaches, respectively. The two groups did not differ in terms of age, BMI, gender and stage of OA, however, pre-operative haemoglobin (Hb) was higher in the MP group [mean 13,5 (1.3) versus 13.1 (0.73)]. There was no significant difference in Hb decline pre- and post-operatively and in drain volume between groups. The mean Hb drop was similar for the MP [-2.2 (1.08)] and MV [-2.52 (1.06)] groups, and even though the transfusion rates were lower for the MP group, it did not reach significance. The duration of surgery was significantly longer in the MV group, with a mean time of 95.6 (12.94) minutes versus 89.4 (14.28) in the MP group. Overall complications did not differ significantly among the two surgical approaches. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that pre-operative Hb [OR 2.6 95% CI (1.43, 4.75)] and approach [OR 4.15 95% CI (1.15, 14.98)] were significantly correlated with the need for transfusion when gender, BMI, redon drainage, prosthesis size and duration of surgery were considered together. Conclusion In our experience, total knee replacement performed with either the midvastus or medial parapatellar approach does not result in any advantage with regards to the intra-operative complications, drain blood volume or difference in Hb drop post-operative. However, the midvastus approach presents a longer operation time, with the risk of higher transfusion rates for the patients.

From Three-Dimensional (3D)- to 6D-Printing Technology in Orthopedics: Science Fiction or Scientific Reality?

Over the past three decades, additive manufacturing has changed from an innovative technology to an increasingly accessible tool in all aspects of different medical practices, including orthopedics. Although 3D-printing technology offers a relatively inexpensive, rapid and less risky route of manufacturing, it is still quite limited for the fabrication of more complex objects. Over the last few years, stable 3D-printed objects have been converted to smart objects or implants using novel 4D-printing systems. Four-dimensional printing is an advanced process that creates the final object by adding smart materials. Human bones are curved along their axes, a morphological characteristic that augments the mechanical strain caused by external forces. Instead of the three axes used in 4D printing, 5D-printing technology uses five axes, creating curved and more complex objects. Nowadays, 6D-printing technology marries the concepts of 4D- and 5D-printing technology to produce objects that change shape over time in response to external stimuli. In future research, it is obvious that printing technology will include a combination of multi-dimensional printing technology and smart materials. Multi-dimensional additive manufacturing technology will drive the printing dimension to higher levels of structural freedom and printing efficacy, offering promising properties for various orthopedic applications.

The prevalence of polypharmacy and fall-risk-increasing drugs after hospital discharge for hip fracture: A retrospective study.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of polypharmacy and the use of fall-risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) in patients >65 years of age. Methods: 478 patients >65 years old, discharged from an Orthopaedic Department because of hip-fracture surgery, capable of walking before surgery, were included. The baseline characteristics of the patients and the total numbers of drugs and FRIDs were recorded from the electronic hospital registration system. Polypharmacy was defined as the average daily use of five or more drugs. The gender differences in drug prescriptions were calculated. Results: All the patients took medications except for eight (1.7%); 46% of the patients were taking <5 medications, while 386 (80.8%) were taking ≤3 FRIDs. The female patients were taking more drugs (5±2.7) and FRIDs (2.4±1.3) than the male ones (4.5±3 and 1.9±1.3) (both p<0.01). The average numbers of drugs and FRIDs prescribed at discharge were 4.9±2.8 and 2.3±1.3, respectively. The Barthel Index was higher for patients taking <5 drugs, while the length of hospital stay was greater for patients taking ≥5 medications. Increased age was associated with taking ≥5 medications (p<0.05). Conclusions: Polypharmacy and FRID use are prevalent among patients over 65 years old who have been hospitalized and surgically treated because of hip fractures.