Groin Pain Syndrome Italian Consensus Conference update 2023.

Groin pain syndrome (GPS) is a controversial topic in Sports Medicine. The GPS Italian Consensus Conference on terminology, clinical evaluation and imaging assessment of groin pain in athletes was organized by the Italian Society of Arthroscopy in Milan, on 5 February 2016. In this Consensus Conference (CC) GPS etiology was divided into 11 different categories for a total of 63 pathologies. The GPS Italian Consensus Conference update 2023 is an update of the 2016 CC. The CC was based on a sequential, two-round online Delphi survey, followed by a final CC in the presence of all panelists. The panel was composed of 55 experts from different scientific and clinical backgrounds. Each expert discussed 6 different documents, one of which regarded the clinical and imaging definition of sports hernias, and the other 5 dealt with 5 new clinical situations thought to result in GPS. The panelists came to an agreement on the definition of a sports hernia. Furthermore, an agreement was reached, recognizing 4 of the 5 possible proposed pathologies as causes to GPS. On the contrary, the sixth pathology discussed did not find consensus given the insufficient evidence in the available scientific literature. The final document includes a new clinical and imaging definition of sports hernia. Furthermore, the etiology of GPS was updated compared to the previous CC of 2016. The new taxonomic classification includes 12 categories (versus 11 in the previous CC) and 67 pathologies (versus 63 in the previous CC).

Clinical outcomes and complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone in patient Tanner 3 and 4: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Clinical outcomes and potential complications associated with Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone (BPTB) graft in skeletally immature ACL reconstruction (ACLR) are poorly defined. Considering that in Tanner 1-2 patients this kind of graft is not recommended, we focused our systematic review on the evaluation of all the studies in the literature that reported clinical outcomes and rate of complications of the ACLR using BPTB graft in Tanner 3-4 patients. METHODS: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus were examined from 1965 to 2020 using different combinations of the following keywords: "ACL reconstruction", "skeletally immature", "young", "patellar tendon" and "BPTB". The database search yielded 742 studies, on which we performed a primary evaluation. After carrying out a full-text evaluation for the inclusion criteria, 4 studies were included in the final review and assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Ninety-six cases with mean age of 14.2 years were reported. RESULTS: Good stability and functional outcomes were reported with a mean follow-up of 49.5 months. Return to sport rate ranged from 91.7% to 100%. A KT-1000 side-to-side difference higher than 5 mm was observed in five patients (5.2%). No lower limb length discrepancy and angulation were reported. Graft rupture rate was 5.2%. CONCLUSION: According to these results, BTPB graft could be a good choice in Tanner 3-4 patients who want to achieve their preinjury sport level with a low risk of growth disturbances and graft failure. Further investigations in a wider population are needed.

The current treatment of hip arthroplasty revision: a systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular revision surgery is the most challenging aspect in hip prosthetic. There is lack of consensus on the optimal method of reconstructing the acetabular defects. The aim of this systematic review is to take stock of the state of the art on the options available and highlight which type of construct is the most reliable in usual clinical practice. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The reporting of this systematic review was guided by the standards of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 2020 Statement.Electronic search of MEDLINE was performed from 1991 up to April 2021 to identify relevant studies for this review.  Discussion: various surgical techniques have been adopted and proposed to treat acetabular bone defects: cemented cups, large-sized non-cemented acetabular cups, higher positioned cups, reinforcement rings, cage, oblong cups, custom triflange implants, high porous metal cups and augments. Bone defect defines the type of components to be implanted and among those, outcomes are various depending on the study taken into account, the component used and the degree of initial bone defect. CONCLUSIONS: In acetabular revision surgerythe use of TM cups and augment is a valid option in presence of major bone loss and pelvic discontinuities. In clinical practice the use of TM components replaced rings, while the cup-cage implant replaced conventional cages. TM augments and cups can be considered as the most promising technique in the reconstruction of wide acetabular defects, while the use of cages can be considered as a valid option in the elderly population.

Controversies in ACL revision surgery: Italian expert group consensus and state of the art.

BACKGROUND: Revision ACL reconstruction is a complex topic with many controversies and not-easy-to-make decisions. The authors' aim is to provide some feasible advice that can be applied in daily clinical practice with the goal of facilitating the decision-making process and improving the outcomes of patients subjected to revision ACL reconstruction. METHODS: A national survey with seven questions about the most controversial topics in revision ACL reconstruction was emailed to members of two societies: SIOT and SIAGASCOT. The participants' answers were collected, the most recent literature was analyzed, and a consensus was created by the authors, according to their long-term surgical experience. CONCLUSIONS: The decision-making process in revision ACL reconstruction starts with a standardized imaging protocol (weight-bearing radiographs, CT scan, and MRI). One-stage surgery is indicated in almost all cases (exceptions are severe tunnel enlargement and infection), while the choice of graft depends on the previously used graft and the dimensions of the tunnels, with better clinical outcomes obtained for autografts. Additional procedures such as lateral extra-articular tenodesis in high-grade pivot-shift knees, biplanar HTO in the case of severe coronal malalignment, and meniscal suture improve the clinical outcome and should be considered case by case. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V (Expert opinion).

Early failure of cement with loosening and dislocation of the femoral component in a unicompartmental knee replacement: a case report with microscopic assessment.

Background Medial unicompartimental knee artrhoplasty (UKA) is a valuable and well-known option in the treatment of medial osteoarthritis (OA). Early recovery and good results are usually reported. Failure mechanism include septic and mechanical loosening, bearing dislocation and lateral or patello-femoral joint OA evolution. The rare case of an atraumatic dislocation of the cemented femoral component of a UKA is presented together with a literature review and a microscopic analysis of the loosened component. Methods The case of a 60-years old man who suffered a UKA failure due to a complete loosening and migration of the cemented femoral component 5 months after its implantation is reported. A review of the literature pertaining early similar catastrophic failures is discussed. Furthermore a stereo-microscopic and scanning electronic microscopic evaluation of the femoral component was performed. Results A UKA-to-TKA revision was performed. Septic loosening was ruled out and one-year follow up showed patient satisfaction with good clinical and radiographic results. Few cases of complete dislocation of the UKA femoral component are reported in the literature. Macro- and microscopic evaluation showed an almost completely smooth surface at the cemented surface of the posterior condyle of the femoral component.   Conclusions Whilst mobile bearing dislocation is a well-known complication of UKA, few cases of this potentially catastrophic complication are reported in the literature. Early UKA failure with complete implant loosening may be determined by a suboptimal cementing technique with inadequate cement penetration into the trabecular bone. In the present case, the absence of cement penetration into the posterior condyle may be one of the reason of the component dislocation after standing up starting with the knee in a highly flexed position.

Outcomes in arthroscopic surgery and proposal rehabilitative treatment in femoral acetabular impingement syndrome.

Background and aim of the work Femural Acetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a patologic condition that can lead to hip pain, functional limitation and stiffness. In the last few decades orthopedics and physiotherapists have improved both surgery and riabilitative treatment leading to a better and better treatment. The target of this paper il to verify the efficiency of an early and multimodal physiotherapic treatment after and arthroscopic surgery of the FAIS   Materials and Methods We performed arthroscopic treatment and rehabilitation on 19 patients with mean age of 37±8,3 years, 12 males and 7 females. Each patient has been evaluated preoperatively (T0), postoperatively after 6 week (T1) and after 3 months of follow up (T2), the assessment was carried out by: administration of the VAS and WOMAC score for pain and function and joint examination of active hip movement through an inertial sensor system.   Results VAS score shows a decrease of pain after 6 week (mean decrease was 36%) and after 3 months (mean decrease was 33%). WOMAC score shows an increase of the funcional performance of the hip after 3 weeks and after 3 months (in both phases the mean score increase of the 44%) At last, the analysis of the active movement and of the hip joint showed a generalized increase in all movements both 6 weeks and 3 months after surgery, in particular for flexion (with the knee flexed) and internal rotation movements. of the hip.   Conclusion The results of this study are in line with the current scientific literature and the protocol used represents a valid tool to complete the surgical treatment. The proposal of an early, intensive treatment combined with hydrokinesitherapy seems to be safe and effective, however further studies are needed (increasing the sample size) to investigate the results.

Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of partial posterior wall acetabular fractures.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Reduction and fixation of partial posterior wall fracture is usually performed with an open posterolateral approach. When the fragment may be fixed without a plate (with screws only), reduction and fixation may be also achieved via hip arthroscopy. To our knowledge no study described this technique. Aim of our study is to describe the surgical technique and to present the achieved outcomes and the occurred complications. METHODS: Six cases of arthroscopic fixation of partial posterior wall fracture have been reviewed for the purpose of this study. Patients were treated arthroscopically if the fragment was not bigger than 25% of the posterior wall. Patient demographic, injury, and surgical variables as well as complications were recorded and retrospectively evaluated. Radiographic outcome was scored according to Matta's criteria on postoperative radiographs and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the modified Harris hip score. RESULTS: Fracture reduction was classified as anatomic on post-operative x-rays in all patients. The mean clinical score was 98 points at one year follow-up. No patient developed symptomatic femoral head AVN, none had heterotopic ossification. In one patients a screw breakage occurred without clinical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of partial posterior wall fracture is an effective treatment and showed good outcomes if a careful patients' selection is done.

Management of bladder dysfunction in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies regarding bladder rehabilitation.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to investigate the efficacy of rehabilitation programs for bladder disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to guide physicians in delineating therapeutic tools and programs for physiatrists, using the best current strategies. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. Studies were eligible if they included adults with bladder disorders related to MS and described specific treatments of rehabilitation interest. The search identified 190,283 articles using the key words "multiple sclerosis" AND "rehabilitation" AND "urinary" OR "bladder," of which the reviewers analyzed 81 full-texts; 21 publications met the criteria and were included in the systematic review. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The systematic review identified the specific rehabilitation treatments reported in the current literature. The meta-analysis compared the scores and scales used to quantify bladder disorders due to MS, both before and after rehabilitation or in a comparison with a control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests the need of a specific therapeutic protocol, based on the degree of disability and symptom complexity in patients with MS-related neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD). Particularly, the meta-analysis shows the effectiveness of peripheral tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). However, the goal of physiotherapy is to treat incontinence without making urinary retention worse and vice-versa, reducing the loss of urine urgency, while ensuring the emptying of the bladder.

Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release for external snapping hip syndrome: a functional assessment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical follow-up of patients with external snapping hip syndrome (ESHS) treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release and to compare the residual muscular strength and thigh circumference as an indirect outcome measure. METHODS: Patients of all ages with external snapping hip syndrome were treated with endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release. Outcome measures evaluated included: visual analog scale (VAS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS). The gluteus maximus strength and the circumference of the thigh were also evaluated. RESULTS: Among 25 patients, 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and one patient was lost to follow-up. The series included 22 patients, 6 males and 16 females with a mean age of 27.9 ± 13.4 years (range 16-76 years). All patients had resolution of the snapping symptoms after the procedure. The mean follow-up was 18 ± 9.3 months. All outcomes improved in a statistically significant manner: VAS value decreased from 6.8 (range 6-8) to 0.6 (range 0-4) (p < 0.001), mHHS increased from 48.6 (range 17.6-67) to 88.2 (range 67-94.6) (p < 0.001), NAHS increased from 49.0 (range 21.5-66) to 90.8 (range 66-98.75) (p < 0.001). A statistically significant reduction of operated limb thigh circumference compared to the contralateral side (3.7%) was also found, while there were no statistical differences regarding the strength of gluteus maximus muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic gluteus maximus tendon release is an excellent surgical option to treat snapping hip syndrome. The evaluated muscle strength revealed no functional impairment. The significance of the limb circumference reduction has yet to be determined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV: retrospective comparative trial.

Are vascular grafts at risk of occlusion after total hip replacement? A systematic review of the literature.

Vascular complications during and after total hip replacement are relatively uncommon despite the close relationship between the involved structures. Previous surgical procedure of arterial reconstruction or substitution may be at higher risk of damage due to the modification in the anatomical landmarks or to the mechanical properties of the grafts different from native vessels. In literature few cases of graft occlusion or failure are reported during or soon after a total hip replacement. The aim of this review is to report them highlighting common features and risk factors.

Kinetic and Kinematic analysis of ACL reconstruction in association with lateral-extrarticular tenodesis of the knee in revision surgery: a pilot study.

Background Anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions are a very frequent surgery. The key role of the anterolateral ligament in the knee rotational stability has been undelighted in recent years. Extra-articular tenodesis in association with ACL reconstructions, serves to eliminate anterolateral rotatory instability. The aim of our study is to compare treated knees with the contralateral uninjured knee in those cases whom been treated with ACL arthroscopic reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis in revision surgery, and evaluate clinical results with kinematic and kinetic examinations methods. Materials and methods Sixteen patients (10 males and 6 females) with ages from 21 to 37 had been treated at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Udine for failure of previous ACL reconstruction. In all patients was performed ACL arthroscopic reconstruction with the association of a lateral extra-articular tenodesis (Coker-Arnold). We have decided to asses the patients at one year after surgery with GNRB arthrometer and Bioval inertial sensor system. Results All patients treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and lateral extra-articular tenodesis have regained pre-injury sagittal knee stability and gait dynamics.

Treatment options for massive rotator cuff tears: a narrative review.

The treatment of massive rotator cuff tears poses a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The prevalence of massive rotator cuff tears is 40% of all rotator cuff tears. Compared with smaller tears, massive rotator cuff tears are often complicated by structural failure and poor outcomes and present a higher rate of recurrent tearing after surgical repair. Several management options are available but the selection of the most appropriate treatment for each patient can be challenging. To achieve the best outcomes, the orthopedic surgeon should have a good understanding of the indications, the pathomechanics and the clinical outcomes of the various treatment modalities. Treatment options include non-operative management, arthroscopic debridement with a biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, complete or partial repair, patch augmentation, superior capsular reconstruction, muscle/tendon transfer and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this article is to review treatment options and clinical outcomes for the management of massive rotator cuff tears.

Cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic condition. The use of total shoulder arthroplasty in these patients is very uncommon, with only two cases reported in the literature. This study describes a cementless reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for a multi-fragmented fracture in a patient affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) type 1 and aims to review literature results of shoulder replacement in patients affected by this uncommon condition. METHODS: the case of a woman affected by OI type 1 treated with a cementless rTSA for a multi-fragmented proximal humerus facture is reported. Focusing on the fixation technique, a research of all articles regarding the orthopaedic treatments in patients affected by Osteogenesis Imperfecta was performed and compared to the techniques used in the unaffected population. RESULT: Our patient shows good results in terms of clinical and radiological outcomes at the short term follow up. Few studies treat the orthopaedic manifestation of this rare genetic condition and only two are focused on shoulder arthroplasty. Cement is the preferred method for fixation in both papers. CONCLUSION: Cementless reverse shoulder arthroplasty may be an option in patients affected by OI type 1, although literature seems to support cement as the fixation method of choice.

Surgical hip dislocation vs arthroscopy for fixation of subfoveal femoral head fractures: A new technique for Pipkin type 1 fractures.

BACKGROUND: Reduction and fixation of Pipkin type I femoral head fractures may be performed either via surgical dislocation either via hip arthroscopy but to our knowledge no studies compared those techniques. Aim of our study is to compare (1) Fracture reduction quality, (2) modified Harris hip score at a minimum of 2 years, and (3) Frequency of complications in a case series of patients with femoral head fractures treated with those approaches. Methods Five cases of arthroscopic fixation of femoral head fracture (AG) have been compared with our historical cohort (8 patients, SDG). Patient demographic, injury, and surgical variables as well as complications were recorded and retrospectively evaluated. Radiographic outcome was scored according to Matta's criteria on postoperative radiographs and clinical outcomes were evaluated with the modified Harris hip score. Results Fracture reduction was anatomic in five hips and imperfect in two in the SDG while four hip were classified as anatomic and one imperfect in the AG. The mean clinical scores were significantly different between the two groups (p=0.03): 88 points in SDG (SD 7) and 94 points in AG (SD 5). In the SDG, one patient developed symptomatic femoral head AVN and one had heterotopic ossification. In the AG, no complication (heterotopic ossification and AVN) but one grade I sign of arthritis were noted. Conclusions Arthroscopic reduction and fixation of Pipkin type I fracture shows radiographic results comparable to surgical dislocation but better clinical results and lower rate of comorbidity.

Discoid meniscus in human fetuses: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Discoid meniscus (DM) is a rare variant of regular knee anatomy. Compared to standard meniscus it is thicker and abnormal in shape; these characteristics make it more prone to tear. It is a congenital defect whose correct etiology is still debated and far from being clarified. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate evidences of DM in human fetuses in order to assess whether embryological development may have a role. METHODS: A systematic review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase with different combinations of the keywords "discoid meniscus", "embryology", "fetus", "neonatal". Search yielded 1013 studies, on which we performed a primary evaluation. RESULTS: Seven studies were considered including a total of 1378 fetal menisci specimens, from 396 different fetuses. Discoid shape was not found represented as a normal stage of prenatal development. From 782 lateral menisci analyzed, only 86 (10.86%) were discoid (13 complete, 73 incomplete type). None of medial menisci was found to be discoid. Lateral meniscus was observed to cover a larger surface of tibial plateau than medial one until 28th gestational week. CONCLUSION: Lateral meniscus seems to be more prone to discoid shape for its natural tendency of covering a larger surface of the tibial plateau during fetal stages. However the fact that a discoid shape was not found in the majority of fetuses suggests that it is not a normal stage of fetal development. To support a single etiological factor it will be appropriate to have further morphological and morphometric studies.

The Exposure to Osteoarthritic Synovial Fluid Enhances the Immunomodulatory Profile of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome.

OBJECTIVE: Several clinical studies have proposed the infusion of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) as an alternative therapy for joint diseases with inflammatory components, such as osteoarthritis. Indeed, AMSCs are able to stimulate tissue repair through a paracrine activity and the interaction with the inflammatory microenvironment seems to have a critical role. DESIGN: To reproduce the inflammatory microenvironment, AMSCs were exposed to osteoarthritic synovial fluid (SF) for 48 h and the effect of their secretome on differentiation of monocytes (M0) into macrophages M1-like and mature dendritic cells (mDCs) was evaluated. Furthermore, the effect of the secretome of AMSCs exposed to SF was evaluated on the T cell population in terms of T cell proliferation and expansion of T regulatory cells (T reg). RESULTS: Our data show that the exposure of AMSCs to SF activates cells and promotes the release of immunosuppressive factors, which induce macrophage polarization of M0 into the M2-like phenotype and inhibit differentiation of monocytes into mature dendritic cells (mDCs). Only the secretome of exposed AMSCs was able to inhibit T cell proliferation and promote T reg expansion. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the microenvironment plays a fundamental role for the development of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of AMSCs.

All-suture anchors in arthroscopic acetabular labral repair: our experience.

BACKGROUND: Over the past years, the role of the acetabular labrum in hip joint biomechanics and its relations with joint health has been of particular interest. There is a good clinical improvement of patients in whom the acetabular labrum is preserved during arthroscopic hip surgery. The purpose of this study is to report the results of arthroscopic repair of labral tears at a medium term follow up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all cases that underwent hip arthroscopy at our Institution from January 2013 until December 2018. There were 24 patients, 13 males and 11 females, and their mean age at the time of surgery was 29, 42 years (range, 19 to 43 years). All patients were treated by the same surgeon with an extracapsular OUT-IN approach. Suture was performed using a non-absorbable suture anchor all-suture. Clinical assessment was performed at December 2019 using a modified Harris hip score (mHHS), hip outcomes score activities of daily living (HOS ADL), hip outcomes score activities of sport scale (HOS SS). All patients with acetabular labrum injury had femoro-acetabular impingement. RESULTS: The mean overall values in the preoperative period were 67.21 ± 10.31 for mHHS, 70.04 ± 12.11 for HOS-ADL and 60.06 ± 14.58 for HOS -SS. The results obtained in the re-evaluations of patients in December 2019 with a mean follow-up of 38, 3 months (minimum 1 year) are on average 82.17 ± 11.36 for mHHS, 83.00 ± 12.80 for HOS-ADL and 76.09 ± 18.52 for HOS-SS. CONCLUSIONS: The progress of knowledge and the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic skills has led to a greater awareness of the importance of treating acetabular labrum tears. Arthroscopic treatment with suture appear to be a good option for these patients and we had encouraging results in our center.

Capsular closure after hip arthroscopy: our experience.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: In the last decade, arthroscopic treatment of hip diseases has significantly spread and evolved and currently it represents the gold standard for the treatment of femoral- acetabular impingement. In the recent years, the function of the joint capsule (and therefore the results of an arthroscopic capsulotomy) has been hugely developed, opening a heated debate. The Literature is still torn about the need for a capsular suture, but more recent studies are more oriented in its execution at the end of the surgical procedure. According to these recent studies, the joint capsule performs an essential function of primary stability, and its closure is therefore necessary to restore the native anatomy and physiology. Nevertheless, capsular management remains a controversial topic. This is a retrospective study with the aim of assessing the influence of capsular suture on the patient's functional outcome in a cohort of patients with femoral-acetabular impingement arthroscopically treated. HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis is that an adequate capsular suture positively influences the patient's functional outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS: 50 patients treated with hip arthroscopy for femoral-acetabular impingement have been retrospectively enrolled at the Orthopaedic Clinic of Academic Hospital of Udine during a period of two-years (2017-2018); collected data have been analysed and compared with a retrospective model. Patients have been divided into two equivalent groups, 25 treated with capsular suture, 25 without performing the suture. Patient's post-operative functional outcome has been analysed using the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS) and the Hip Outcome Score-Sport Scale (HOS-SS). The functional outcome in patients where capsular sutures were performed was better than in non-sutured patients, in all three analysed scales. CONCLUSIONS: Capsular suture with a single side-to-side stitch at the end of the procedure can positively influence the patient's functional outcome.

Histological analysis of ACL reconstruction failures due to synthetic-ACL (LARS) ruptures.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction is an established surgical procedure. Synthetic ligaments represent an option for ACL reconstruction. Their popularity declined for the raising concerns due to re-ruptures, knee synovitis and early arthritis related to I and II generation artificial ligaments. The introduction of a III generation synthetic ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System-LARS) permitted renewed interest in the adoption of this kind of graft. Main purpose of our study was to describe the histological findings on samples obtained from a consecutive series of ACL revision surgeries due to LARS ACL reconstruction failures. Secondary aim was to determine the reason for LARS rupture. METHODS: In a period between 2016 and 2018 eleven patients underwent ACL revision surgery due to LARS ACL reconstruction failure. At the time of the arthroscopic procedure, samples of synovial membrane and remnants of the torn LARS were sent to the Pathological-Anatomy Institute of our Hospital for a histological analysis. RESULTS: Histological analysis of the synovial tissues confirmed the arthroscopic evidence of synovitis mainly characterized by chronic inflammation with predominance of multinucleated giant cells. The adoption of polarized light microscopy revealed the presence of brightly bi-refractive material (LARS wear particles) in the synovial tissue; at higher magnification wear debris were detected inside the cytoplasma of multi nucleated cells. The histological analysis of the removed LARS revealed a surrounding typical foreign body reaction with poor signs of fibrovascular ingrowth of the synthetic ligament. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings could not clearly advocate a unique mechanism of LARS-ACL reconstruction failure: biologic issues (poor tissue ingrowth) and mechanical issues (fibers properties and tunnel position) probably concur in a multi factorial manner. ACL reconstruction using artificial ligaments can not be considered a simple surgery. Artificial augments require some expertise and could therefore achieve better results if used by skilled sport surgeons other than trainees or low volume surgeons. The Authors believe that ACL reconstruction with synthetic devices still have restricted indications for selected patients (e.g. elderly patients who require a fast recovery, professional athlete, autologous tendons not available and/or refusing donor tendons). Our study arises additional suspicion on the unresponsiveness of synthetic fibers and claim some concern in the implantation of synthetic devices.

Total knee revision arthroplasty: comparison between tibial tubercle osteotomy and quadriceps snip approach. Complication rate.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: The total knee arthroplasty (TKA) revision is not a second time of primary implant surgery but is a very complex issue for orthopedic surgeon. When local conditions make necessary a greater visualization, medial para-patellar access with quadriceps snip (QS) or the osteotomy of the tibial tuberosity (TTO) can be the solutions. This work aims to compare the quadriceps snip and the detachment of the tibial tubercle, focusing on possible complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At our institution, between January 2017 and February 2019 52 TKA revision for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) or aseptic mobilization were performed. In 43 cases an extensive surgical approach was required: for patients with range of movement (ROM) < 60° was chosen TTO, while with ROM > 60° a QS was performed. Clinical and radiological follow-up was available for all the 43 cases. RESULTS: The data about clinical outcome in our study show that both groups have a positive trend in KSS score over time with similar ROM results. Two partial avulsions of patellar tendon during revision surgery were reported. Clinical outcome in both groups has shown good results at the end of follow-up with no post-operative incidence of complications. CONCLUSION: We can assert that both QS and TTO are good approach for TKA revision. Future studies will be needed to understand if preparatory ROM is a good way to decide which surgical approach to use.(www.actabiomedica.it).