Clinical radiographic outcomes and survivorship of medial pivot design total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty is a reliable procedure able to reduce pain and disability in patients suffering from osteoarthritis. However, a considerable percentage of patients still experiences unsatisfactory results. Medial pivot total knee arthroplasty has been introduced in the clinical practice to overcome problems related with classic design implants and better mimic native knee kinematics. The aim of this study was to analyze survivorship and clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial pivot implants. METHODS: A systematic research was conducted in eight different databases. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Data on objective and patients-reported outcomes, radiographic alignment, and survivorship were collected and analyzed. Revision rate was expressed as revision per 100 components years. RESULT: A total of 3377 procedures were included. Mean follow-up was 85.7 months (range, 12-182). The revision per 100 components years was 0.19, which corresponds to a revision rate of 1.9% after 10 years. Mean post-operative range of motion was 117.3 ± 0.4°. Mean clinical and functional Knee Society Score were, respectively, 85.9 ± 1.1 and 84.7 ± 3.5 at final follow-up. Post-operative femorotibial alignment was 177.1 ± 0.5°. Alfa and beta angles were 95.7 ± 0.1° and 89.2 ± 0.1°, respectively. Gamma and delta angles were 2.3 ± 0.6° and 86.7 ± 0.4°. CONCLUSION: Medial pivoting implants provided excellent survivorship and low revision rate, as well as good-to-excellent results in term of objective and patient-reported clinical outcomes, and reliable correction of radiographic parameters. More high-quality studies with long-term follow-up are needed to clarify the role of medial pivoting implants.

Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Grade 3 Symptomatic Degenerative Meniscal Lesions: A 1-Year Follow-up Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have been proposed as a biologic option to provide symptomatic relief and delay surgery in patients with degenerative joint disease of osteoarthritis (OA). The efficacy of autologous PRP on symptomatic degenerative meniscal lesions (DMLs) has never been investigated. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that patients with symptomatic DMLs without OA undergoing autologous PRP injections experience a significant clinical improvement at 12 months. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective case series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A total of 69 patients with symptomatic DMLs without radiographic evidence of knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence radiographic grading scale 0-1) received 4 autologous PRP injections once a week. Patients were prospectively evaluated before the injection and then at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Evaluation was based on Lysholm knee scoring scale (primary outcome), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC), Tegner activity scale, and visual analogue scale scores. RESULTS: Patients treated with PRP injections demonstrated an improving knee function and symptoms over the duration of the study. A significant improvement from baseline to 12 months was observed in all the outcome measures, and no patients experienced failure or required surgery during the follow-up. Patients younger than 50 years reported lower subjective level of pain and higher Tegner activity scale at baseline and had significantly better Lysholm knee scoring scale (P = 0.03) and WOMAC (P = 0.03) scores at 6 months, as well as better range of motion at 3, 6, and 12 months (P < 0.001). Thirty-three (47.8%) patients were very satisfied, 26 (37.7%) satisfied, 8 (11.6%) partially satisfied, and 2 (2.9 %) not satisfied, with 62 (89.8%) patients willing to repeat the same treatment. No patient was lost to follow-up and no patient experienced adverse reaction, infection, failure, recurrence or underwent further surgery. CONCLUSION: PRP injections provide short-term benefits in symptomatic DMLs. Although promising results were evident at 12 months, this is a preliminary study and no definitive recommendation can be made based, for example, on longer follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This research supports the use of autologous PRP injections for symptomatic DMLs.

Predictors of failure of two-stage revision in periprosthetic knee infection: a retrospective cohort study with a minimum two-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: Despite the standardization of two-stage knee revision protocols, a high percentage of failures still occurs. Identifying the predictors of failure is necessary to determine appropriate management and counsel for patients with a periprosthetic knee infection. This study aimed to identify risk factors predicting the failure, to describe implant survival, and to report the mid-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing two-stage revision for periprosthetic knee infection. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent two-stage knee revision from 2012 to 2016 were analyzed, and 108 patients were included. The mean age was 66.6 ± 9.2 years. The mean follow-up was 52.9 ± 15.6 months. Logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of treatment failure. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to assess implant survival. Preoperative functional outcomes were compared to those registered at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Difficult-to-treat infections (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.2-14.5, p = 0.025), the number of previous surgeries (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.6, p = 0.005), and the level of tibial bone defect (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.7, p = 0.027) significantly predicted the failure of two-stage knee revision. Survivorship of implants was significantly lower for patients presenting these risk factors (p < 0.05). Mean Knee Society Score improved from 49.0 ± 12.0 to 80.2 ± 13.6 (p < 0.001). Mean Oxford Knee Score improved from 22.2 ± 4.9 to 36.1 ± 6.0 points (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Difficult-to-treat pathogens, the number of previous surgeries, and the level of tibial bone defect were independent risk factors of two-stage knee revision failure. Overall, the two-stage protocol provided a good survival rate and functional outcome.

Two-stage arthroplasty for septic arthritis of the hip and knee: A systematic review on infection control and clinical functional outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis of the native hip and knee joint poses particular challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Patients often suffer from several comorbidities, and it could be challenging to find a balance between infection control and adequate function. Two-stage arthroplasty has been addressed as a reliable solution, however the literature on the topic is composed of case series with small sample size. This systematic review aimed to analyze data on infection control and clinical functional outcomes of patients who underwent two-stage arthroplasty for septic arthritis of the hip and knee. METHODS: An electronic search of studies published from January 1st, 2000, to June 1st, 2021, was conducted using eight different databases. Following the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Revies and Meta-analysis two authors reviewed the available literature and reference lists to identify papers eligible for inclusion. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies were included, involving 435 procedures. The mean age was 57.3 ± 6.2 (45.8-71.8) years. The mean follow-up was 53.7 ± 18.6 (12-86.7) months. The mean infection eradication was 93.3 ± 6.4%. Mean Harris Hip Score improved from 32.1 ± 10.6 (11.5-42.9) to 87.5 ± 5.7 (80.6-97.8). Mean Knee Society Score improved from 42.9 ± 7.6 (35.9-58.0) to 86.1 ± 5.4 (80.1-96.0). CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage arthroplasty for hip and knee septic arthritis provided high infection control rate and excellent function. Further high-quality studies should be oriented on providing a validated algorithm for diagnosis and treatment of this condition. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

Clinical outcome and risk factor predictive for failure of autologous PRP injections for low-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: To report the 5-year clinical efficacy of PRP intra articular injections in knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate the risk factors predictive for treatment failure and poor clinical outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 118 patients treated for low to moderate knee OA demonstrated by X-Ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with autologous PRP injection from 2014 to 2018 with a mean 51.1 ± 14.8 (range 29 to 89) months follow-up. All the patients were evaluated with Lysholm and WOMAC score. The role of Kellgren Lawrence (KL) grade, patello-femoral (PF) degeneration, age, body mass index (BMI), relevant comorbilities, smoking status, gender, previous surgery or conservative measures were analyzed with univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of all outcome measures at final follow-up and high satisfaction rate (79.7%). The overall failure rate was of 15.3% after a mean of 57.7 ± 15.1 (range 33 to 85) months. The BMI and the KL grade were identified as significant independent risk factor related to failure of autologous PRP injection. Patients under 60 reported significantly higher Tegner activity scale (p = 0.032) at final follow-up. Patients with KL grade 3 and patients with PF MRI-KL grade 3 had significantly lower Lysholm scores (p = 0.026 and p = 0.042 respectively) at final assessment. Younger patients with lower BMI and lower grade of radiographic OA had significantly longer therapeutic benefit (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Intra articular PRP injections led to a significant clinical improvement in middle-aged adults with a low to moderate knee OA. BMI and high KL grade have been identified as significant risk factors predictive for failure at mid-term follow-up.

Lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation in adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Clinical and radiological results.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of patients underwent lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation combined with tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior tenodesis. Twenty-two patients underwent adult-acquired flatfoot deformity were retrospectively evaluated with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic preoperative and final comparison of tibio-calcaneal angle, talo-first metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles have been performed. The Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were used for subjective and functional assessment. The instrumental range of motion has been also assessed at latest follow-up evaluation and compared with preoperative value. There was a significant improvement of final mean values of clinical scores (p < 0.001). Nineteen out of 22 (86.4%) patients resulted very satisfied or satisfied for the clinical result. There was a significant improvement of the radiographic parameters (p < 0.001). There were no differences between preoperative and final values of range of motion. One failure occurred 7 years after surgery. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity correction demonstrated good mid-term results and low recurrence and complications rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4, retrospective case series.

Effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in Civinini-Morton's Syndrome: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to analyze the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections (CI), in combination with or without a local anaesthetic, for Civinini-Morton's Syndrome to determine which protocol could be the most appropriate among conservative treatments. METHODS: All selected articles were screened using a thorough database search of PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS to assess their suitability to the research focus. RESULTS: Selection produced 10 articles as full-text, for a total of 590 patients, with a mean follow-up of 14 ± 14.2 (range 3-48) months. Johnson satisfaction scale, resulting from 6 studies, scored 25.6% (range 5-38) and 39.4% (range 15-51.8), respectively completely satisfied and satisfied with minor reservations. Mean VAS, declared in 5 studies, decreased from 70.7 ± 16.5 (range 67-89) to 33.4 ± 7.6 (26-42.5) points (p < 0.01). Most common complication was skin depigmentation in 7 (2.6%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: CI appear to be a safe treatment allowing good results with a very low complications rate. A neuroma of 6.3 mm seems to be the cut-off size; below which CI could have best indications and be considered as an intermediate treatment between shoe modifications and more invasive procedures such as percutaneous alcoholization or surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, systematic review.

Anatomy and biomechanics of the medial patellotibial ligament: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of the anatomy and biomechanics of patellar stabilizers is mandatory to achieve good clinical results with surgical reconstructive procedures. Few articles provide clear anatomical and biomechanical picture of medial patello-tibial ligament (MPTL). METHODS: After a systematic review of the literature we selected in vivo or ex vivo studies providing anatomical or biomechanical measurements. We included 7 studies about MPTL anatomy for a total of 96 knees and 4 biomechanical studies. RESULTS: The MPTL is a true ligament and important component of the medial patellar stabilizers, together with the medial patello-femoral ligament (MPFL) and medial patello-meniscal ligament. The contribution of MPTL on restriction forces of the patello-femoral joint is still unclear. Quadriceps, patellar, semitendinous and gracilis tendons are adequate grafts for surgical MPTL reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: MPTL is a well defined anathomical structure and histologically can be considered a ligament. It plays an important role in patellar stability especially it has a main role on patellar rotation and tilt instead on shift.

Endoscopic calcaneoplasty for the treatment of Haglund's deformity provides better clinical functional outcomes, lower complication rate, and shorter recovery time compared to open procedures: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this research is to report the clinical outcome following surgical correction of Haglund's deformity summarising different surgical strategies and comparing clinical outcomes, failures, complications and return to activities of patients underwent open and endoscopic techniques. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using eight different databases. Thirty-five studies were included in the systematic review. A total of 1260 ankles of 1147 patients were grouped in accordance with the surgical approach (open, endoscopic, or percutaneous). RESULTS: The overall mean age was 44.8 ± 8.2 (range 14.9-82) years with a mean follow-up of 30.9 ± 17.1 (range 3-132) months. Analysis of clinical outcomes of open and endoscopic techniques demonstrated significant differences of AOFAS (87.1 ± 5.9 versus 90.7 ± 4.2 points; P < 0.001), complications (15.5% versus 4.1%; P < 0.001), failures (6.0% versus 1.2%; P < 0.001), time to return to daily activities (17.2 ± 9.3 versus 6.3 ± 1.0 weeks; P < 0.001) and time to return to sport (20.7 ± 3.3 versus 11.9 ± 0.3 weeks; P < 0.001) in the studies that reported these specific outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Surgical correction of Haglund's deformity provides overall good clinical results and high subjective satisfaction. Endoscopic procedures demonstrated better final AOFAS, a lower rate of complications and failures, and shorter recovery time when compared to open techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Conservative two-stage revision with primary components of infected total hip arthroplasty: An analysis of survival, clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Few studies provide an analysis of conservative two-stage revision of hip periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and its impact on final outcome. A conservative revision is defined when soft tissues and bone quality enable the use of primary prosthetic components. Data of patients treated for chronic hip PJI who underwent two-stage revision between 2009 and 2016 and had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up were collected. Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and radiological and microbiological data were retrieved and analysed. Clinical and functional outcome, survival, mortality, eradication, reinfection and re-revision rates within subgroups of patients with primary components and revision components are reported herein. A total of 148 patients underwent two-stage hip exchange with a mean follow-up of 55.6 ± 23.1 months and a mean age at surgery of 64.3 ± 12.7 years. Forty-four percent of patients underwent conservative revision. The mean HHS significantly improved from 40.6 ± 9.4 points to the final value of 87.8 ± 10.5 points (p = .002), and the mean OHS went from 20.3 ± 3.8 points to 40.3 ± 5. points (p< .001). Patients who were treated with primary components or isolated revision stems in the second stage had a significant reduction in surgical times (p< .001). The mortality rate for all causes of death was 6.8%, the eradication rate was 89.9%, the reinfection rate was 4.7% and the reoperation rate was 7.4% without differences between conservative and non-conservative revisions. Two-stage exchange arthroplasty for total hip arthroplasty (THA) PJI is a good strategy that provides satisfactory results, high eradication rates and no further need for revision. The conservative two-stage revision in patients with adequate bone stock represents a feasible option with good results and survival rates.

Permanent Spacers Are a Reliable Solution for Peri-prosthetic Shoulder Infection: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Peri-prosthetic shoulder infection (PSI), a highly disabling complication of shoulder arthroplasty, often requires additional surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy. Of strategies proposed to manage this devastating condition, the use of cement spacers, perhaps even as a definitive treatment, is debated. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to systematically review the literature on antibiotic-loaded cement spacers as a viable, perhaps definitive, treatment for PSI, evaluating the eradication rates, mechanical reliability, and functional results related to its use. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of studies published from January 1, 1980, through September 1, 2019. Following the Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reviews of Interventions and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, we searched for studies reporting functional and clinical outcomes in patients with PSI treated with a permanent spacer of the shoulder. Two independent reviewers searched eight databases, as well as reference lists of the retrieved articles. RESULTS: After exclusion criteria were applied, 12 studies were included, involving a total of 143 patients. The mean age was 65.8 years; the mean follow-up was 37.4 months. A total of 133 patients (93%) were free from infection at latest follow-up. The mean post-operative active elevation of the shoulder ranged from 48.6 to 90°, the mean abduction ranged from 51 to 75°, and external rotation ranged from 3.6 to 29°. The mean Constant-Murley score ranged from 20.6 to 42 points (out of 100, from worst to best). CONCLUSION: The use of a permanent cement spacer is a reliable solution to PSI in low-demand, older patients with comorbidities, a population in whom it is desirable to avoid additional surgery. Our review found a high rate of infection eradication and moderate-to-good objective and subjective results. However, the overall level of evidence of included studies was very low, and higher-quality studies are needed to clarify the role of permanent spacers in the treatment of PSI.

Cup-on-cup technique: a reliable management solution for severe acetabular bone loss in revision total hip replacement.

BACKGROUND: The management of acetabular bone loss is a challenging problem in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The goals of treatment are a stable acetabular fixation, implant stability, and restoration of hip centre of rotation.This study aims to report clinical, radiological outcomes and complications at short-term to mid-term follow-up of the cup-on-cup technique in the management of severe acetabular bone loss in rTHA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patient receiving rTHA performed with double porous tantalum cup technique in a single Joint Replacement Unit from 2014 to 2017. Objective and subjective clinical scores (Harris Hip Score, Oxford Hip Score, and visual analogue scale), radiological parameters (centre of rotation, leg-length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, osseointegration, loosening and radiolucencies) and complications were recorded. We analysed the implant survival rate and periprosthetic joint infection rate. RESULTS: We included 9 patients (9 hips) with a mean follow-up of 35.3 ± 10.8 months. Functional scores showed a statistically significant improvement at the final follow-up (p < 0.01). All patients rated their surgery as satisfactory. The cup-on-cup construct demonstrated radiological osseointegration with the centre of rotation restoration and leg length discrepancy improvement. In 1 patient, periprosthetic joint infection was diagnosed and treated with suppressive antibiotic therapy. No patients underwent acetabular components revision surgery for any reason. CONCLUSIONS: Cup-on-cup technique is a valid and safe solution for reconstruction of selected Paprosky type IIIA and IIIB bone defects with satisfactory clinical and radiographic results at short-term and mid-term follow-up.

Severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: posterior staged correction using a temporary magnetically-controlled growing rod.

PURPOSE: A two-staged posterior correction, using a temporary magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR), was employed to gradually and safely correct severe adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The aim of the study is illustrating the results of this procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review of a consecutive series of 17 severe AIS. The first surgery was a posterior release (multiple Ponte osteotomies) with implant of pedicle screws and MCGR on the concave side of the curve. In post-operative days, a distraction was applied with MCGR, which allowed to obtain a total mean lengthening of 2 cm in about 2 weeks, with no complications arising. In the second posterior surgery, MCGR was removed and the definitive rods were applied for final fusion. The mean pedicle screws density was 93.3% (85-100). The extension of the final posterior fusion-instrumentation was of 13.8 levels (12-15). RESULTS: At an average follow-up (FU) of 2.9 years, the main scoliosis curves from average pre-operative Cobb angle of 98.2° (91°-138°) bent down to 38.3° (35°-76°) after definitive fusion (p < 0.05); at last FU, the overall correction was 58.7% (50.4-71.2), with an average correction loss of 2.1° (1.5°-3.1°). At last FU, no complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Gradual traction with MCGR in severe AIS proved to be a safe method to achieve progressive curve correction before posterior final fusion, with no neurologic complications associated to more aggressive one-stage surgeries. In a staged approach, MCGR appears as an alternative to halo traction, avoiding frequent traction-related complications.

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion: What Is the Evidence of Indirect Neural Decompression? A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) has gained in popularity. A proposed advantage is the achievement of indirect neural decompression. However, evidence of the effectiveness of LLIF in neural decompression in lumbar degenerative conditions remains unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to extrapolate clinical and radiological results and consequently the potential benefits and limitations of LLIF in indirect neural decompression in degenerative lumbar diseases. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature in English using the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and checklist. Scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) for back and leg pain were extracted, as were data on the following radiological measurements: disc height (DH), foraminal height (FH), foraminal area (FA), central canal area (CA). RESULTS: In the 42 articles included, data on 2445 patients (3779 levels treated) with a mean follow-up of 14.8 ± 5.9 months were analyzed. Mean improvements in VAS back, VAS leg, and ODI scale scores were 4.1 ± 2.5, 3.9 ± 2.2, and 21.9 ± 7.2, respectively. Post-operative DH, FH, FA, and CA measurements increased by 68.6%, 21.9%, 37.7%, and 29.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Clinical results indicate LLIF as an efficient technique in indirect neural decompression. Analysis of radiological data demonstrates the effectiveness of symmetrical foraminal decompression. Data regarding indirect decompression of central canal and lateral recess are inconclusive and contradictory. Bony stenosis appears as an absolute contraindication. The role of facet joint degeneration is unclear. This systematic review provides a reference for surgeons to define the potential and limitations of LLIF in indirect neural elements decompression.

Long-term outcome of prosthetic joint infections treated with two-stage revision.

Long-term evaluation of prosthetic joint infection treated with two-stage revision. Retrospective analysis of 102 periprosthetic infections treated with two-stage revision from 2010 to 2012 in Albenga hospital, Italy. During the second stage, samples for microbiological tests were collected. Failure was defined as a persistence of infection during the second stage or as a relapse during follow-up. 102 cases (55 hip, 47 knee) were analyzed. Patients were evaluated for a median of 44 months. 8/102 (8%) had positive cultures at replacement. These patients were treated with long-term antibiotic treatment and in 3/8 (38%) infection was cured. 9 patients were loss to follow-up or died, 6 patients (6%) had a relapse a median of 16,3 months from replanting. Risk factors significantly related to failures were diabetes and infection due to methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Two stage revision requires continued follow up. Screening for infection at replacement suggests prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The effectiveness of shoe modifications and orthotics in the conservative treatment of Civinini-Morton syndrome: state of art.

Civinini Morton's Syndrome (CMS), better known as Morton's Neuroma, is a benign enlargement that typically affects the third common digital branch of the plantar nerve. It is a common cause of metatarsalgia leading to debilitating pain. It prefers the female gender, with a female to male ratio of 5:1 and an average age of 50 years at time of surgery. Precise aetiology remains under debate, with four etiopathogenetic theories often cited in the literature. Clinical symptoms, physical exam and instrumental evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. Biomechanics seem to play an important role, especially regarding the usefulness of correct footwear. The first approach in the early stages of this condition usually begins with shoe modifications and orthotics, designed to limit the nerve compression. In order to prevent or delay the development of CMS, shoes should be sufficiently long, comfortable, broad toe-boxed, should bear a flat heel and a sufficiently thick external sole which should not be excessively flexible. Most authors suggested that an insole with medial arch support and a retrocapital bar or pad, just proximal to the metatarsal heads, displaces the pressure sites and can be beneficial to relieve the pain from the pinched nerve. A threshold period of 4.5 months appears to emerge from the results of the analysed studies, indicating that, beyond this period and in neuromas larger than 5-6 mm, orthotics and/or shoes modifications do not seem to give convincing results, proving to be more a palliation for the clinical condition to allow an acceptable life with pain rather than a real treatment.

Clinical study of outcomes after revision surgery using porous titanium custom-made implants for severe acetabular septic bone defects.

PURPOSE: Acetabular bone loss is a challenging problem in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). Severe bone loss is not uncommon especially in periprosthetic joint infection. Surgical options, including revision shells, rings, and cages-with or without bone allograft-are affected by high complication rates and unsatisfactory clinical results. We report our mid-term results of non-flanged, custom-made acetabular components in staged rTHA. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing two-stage revision with acetabular custom-made implants between 2014 and 2016 at a single institution. Harris Hip Scores, Oxford Hip Scores, and Visual Analogue Scales for pain were obtained, and radiographical follow-up was performed. Complications were reported and analysed. RESULTS: We included 19 patients (19 hips) with an average follow-up of 42.3 ± 11.8 months. At the time of re-implantation, significant acetabular bone loss according to Paprosky classification (IIC, IIIA-B, and pelvic discontinuity) was detected in our patients. Clinical outcomes showed statistically significant improvement from pre-operative visit to last follow-up (p < 0.01). All custom-made implants had radiological osseointegration, and we did not find any implant complications, such as loosening or malposition. No mismatch between pre-operative planning and intra-operative findings was observed. To date, we report one septic failure managed with second staged revision, and one re-operation for recurrent THA dislocation. CONCLUSIONS: Custom-made acetabular implants showed excellent clinical and radiographic mid-term outcomes with a low rate of related complications, providing implant stability on residual host bone, restoring hip biomechanics, and allowing biological osseointegration. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm preliminary results.

Acetabular custom-made implants for severe acetabular bone defect in revision total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The management of acetabular bone loss is a challenging problem in revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). The aim of this systematic review is to summarize and critically analyze indications, complications, clinical and radiological outcomes of custom-made acetabular components in rTHA. METHODS: A systematic review of English literature was performed on Medline. Retrospective or prospective studies with minimum 2 years of follow-up (FU) were included. The PRISMA 2009 flowchart and checklist were considered to edit the review. Rates of intra- or post-operative complications, aseptic loosening (AL), periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), reoperations and re-revisions rates were extrapolated. RESULTS: 18 articles with a level of evidence of IV were included. Six hundred and thirty-four acetabular custom components (627 patients) with a mean FU of 58.6 ± 29.8 months were analyzed. The studies showed good clinical and functional outcomes. Custom-made acetabular components allowed a stable fixation with 94.0 ± 5.0% survival rate. The estimated rate of re-operations and re-revisions were 19.3 ± 17.3% and 5.2 ± 4.7%, respectively. The incidence of PJI was 4.0 ± 3.9%. CONCLUSIONS: The acetabular custom-made implants represent a reliable solution for pelvic discontinuity and particular cases of bone loss classified as Paprosky Type IIIA-B or type III-IV according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons system where the feature of the defect cannot be handled with standard implants. This strategy allows to fit the implant to the residual host bone, bypassing the bony deficiency and restoring hip biomechanics. Satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes at mid-term follow-up are reported in literature.

The efficacy of shoe modifications and foot orthoses in treating patients with hallux rigidus: a comprehensive review of literature.

Hallux rigidus (HR) is a degenerative disease of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP1) joint and affects about 2.5% of people older than 50 years. The real etiology of this condition remains under debate. Clinical symptoms, physical exam, and instrumental evidence are important in assessing and grading the disease. The anatomy of the first metatarsal is unique and its configuration may play a significant role in the HR development. The first approach usually begins with shoe modifications and foot orthoses, designed to limit irritation from the dorsal osteophytes, reducing motion and the mechanical stresses on the joint. To prevent or delay the development of HR, shoes should be sufficiently long, comfortable, with high toe box and broad toe-boxed, and should bear an allowed space for the orthotic device. The ideal orthotic appears to require a 3-mm thickness with a correct stiffness, and also increasing and extending the medial metatarsal arch just proximal to the metatarsal head, raising the first metatarsal and allowing the proximal phalanx to rest in a more plantarflexed position, decompressing the dorsal aspect of the joint. The increased foot pronation moment with medial column overload should be corrected. In addition, the maximum follow-up found by the analyzed studies was of 14.4 years, so the Authors cannot conclude how long conservative care can keep a patient free from pain and able to perform normal daily activities. However, the use of shoe modifications and foot orthoses may be considered a safe treatment and then should be always offered to patients.

Total disc replacement for lumbar degenerative disc disease: single centre 20 years experience.

PURPOSE: To report clinical and radiographic outcomes, rate of complications and influence on spinal alignment on long-term follow-up (FU) of patients who underwent lumbar total disc arthroplasty (TDR), bringing some evidence to determine the profile of the most well-suited patients for TDR. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients underwent TDR for low back pain from degenerative disc disease (DDD) resistant to conservative treatment was performed. Demographic features, surgical data, clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications and spinopelvic parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty patients (32 TDR) were included with a mean FU of 164 ± 36.5 months. The clinical outcomes measured by visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index showed a significant improvement between preoperative and 1-year FU (p < 0.01). No significant temporal variance has been identified between 1-year and long-term follow-up (p > 0.05). The surgical revision rate was 10%. The overall rate of complications was 20%. At final follow-up, the mobility of the prosthesis was preserved in 68.75% of the cases, and 73.3% of the patients were globally well aligned. CONCLUSION: The optimal surgical indication is crucial to achieve excellent clinical and radiological outcomes. According to the literature and to our experience, we underline the importance of a coronal deformity < 15° Cobb angle and a Roussouly type 1 or 2 as the profile of the most well-suited patient for TDR. Our long-term results confirm the existing evidence about efficacy and safety of TDR as a reliable option, in optimal surgery indication, to treat DDD. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.