Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) for Femoral Neck Fractures: Comparison between Standard and Dual Mobility Implants.

The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the short-term clinical and radiological results between standard and dual mobility THA for femoral neck fractures (FNF) in older patients. The hypothesis is that the dual mobility cup (DMC) has the same outcomes but a lower dislocation rate than the standard THA. The study population included 56 patients (mean age 77.7 years, range 71-85) that underwent THA for displaced FNF. Patients were divided in two comparable groups for baseline characteristics (age, sex and comorbidities): 28 patients underwent THA with a standard cup (SC) and 28 THA with DMCs. The clinical records and radiograms were reviewed to search relevant data in their postoperative history. Two postoperative dislocations occurred in the SC group and none in the DMC group. At an average follow up of 23 months (12-40), 48 patients were available for the final evaluation. The WOMAC score for all patients averaged 6.26 (0-46) and was slightly better in the DMC group (4.94 vs. 7.58; p-value = 0.41); scores were significantly better in presence of neurological comorbidities (p-value = 0.04), in the absence of diabetes (p-value = 0.04) and in the case of psychiatric disorders (p-value = 0.02). Radiographic evaluation at one year showed signs of osteointegration in 42/48 (87.5%) acetabular components (20 DMCs, 22 SC). According to our experience, DMCs proved to be a valid option for the treatment of displaced FNF in older patients, since it allowed them to achieve short-term outcomes comparable to conventional THA, while decreasing the incidence of postoperative dislocations.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Adult Post-Ganglionic Brachial Plexus Traumatic Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are rare but serious consequences of major traumas. Pre-ganglionic lesions are considered irreparable, while post-ganglionic injuries can be potentially treated if an early diagnosis is available. Pre-surgical diagnosis is important to distinguish low-grade from high-grade lesions and to identify their location. The aim of the review is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the identification of adult post-ganglionic lesions due to traumatic brachial plexus injuries, compared to intraoperative findings. METHODS: Research on the main scientific electronic databases was conducted. Studies of adults with traumatic post-ganglionic brachial plexus injuries were included. The index test was preoperative MRI and the reference standard was surgical exploration. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: Four studies were included for the systematic review, of which three articles met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity and pooled specificity values resulted high. The sensitivity value is associated with a high heterogeneity index of the selected literature. CONCLUSION: MRI can be considered, despite the limits, the gold standard exam in morphological evaluation of brachial plexus injuries, particularly in the diagnosis of post-ganglionic traumatic injuries.

Shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: The path from Neer to Grammont.

Shoulder replacement is indicated for the surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients, when severe comminution and osteoporosis jeopardize the chances of success of any fixation technique. Two different implants are available for this purpose: anatomical hemiarthroplasty (HA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). HA for fractures was popularized by Charles Neer in the '50s and for several decades remained the only reliable implant for these injuries. However, many authors reported inconsistent results with HA as a consequence of the high rate of tuberosity and rotator cuff failure. In 1987, Paul Grammont designed the first successful RTSA, which was the end result of a long thought process on functional surgery of the shoulder. This implant was initially used to treat cuff tear arthropathy and shoulder pseudoparalysis, but indications have gradually expanded with time. Since RTSA does not rely on a functional cuff for shoulder elevation, it was felt that results in fractures could be improved by this prosthesis. In this study, the salient features of these implants are described to understand the rationale behind both approaches and highlight their pros and cons. Several clinical studies comparing HA vs RTSA for proximal humeral fractures have been published during the last two decades. A literature review is carried out to analyze and compare outcomes of both implants, analyzing clinical results, radiographic findings and complications. The final goal is to provide an overview of the different factors to consider for making a choice between these two prostheses.

Evaluation of Nisin and LL-37 Antimicrobial Peptides as Tool to Preserve Articular Cartilage Healing in a Septic Environment.

Cartilage repair still represents a challenge for clinicians and only few effective therapies are nowadays available. In fact, surgery is limited by the tissue poor self-healing capacity while the autologous transplantation is often forsaken due to the poor in vitro expansion capacity of chondrocytes. Biomaterials science offers a unique alternative based on the replacement of the injured tissue with an artificial tissue-mimicking scaffold. However, the implantation surgical practices and the scaffold itself can be a source of bacterial infection that currently represents the first reason of implants failure due to the increasing antibiotics resistance of pathogens. So, alternative antibacterial tools to prevent infections and consequent device removal are urgently required. In this work, the role of Nisin and LL-37 peptides has been investigated as alternative to antibiotics to their antimicrobial performances for direct application at the surgical site or as doping chemicals for devices aimed at articular cartilage repair. First, peptides cytocompatibility was investigated toward human mesenchymal stem cells to determine safe concentrations; then, the broad-range antibacterial activity was verified toward the Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as the Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans pathogens. The peptides selective antibacterial activity was verified by a cells-bacteria co-culture assay, while chondrogenesis was assayed to exclude any interference within the differentiation route to simulate the tissue repair. In the next phase, the experiments were repeated by moving from the cell monolayer model to 3D cartilage-like spheroids to revisit the peptides activity in a more physiologically relevant environment model. Finally, the spheroid model was applied in a perfusion bioreactor to simulate an infection in the presence of circulating peptides within a physiological environment. Results suggested that 75 µg/ml Nisin can be considered as a very promising candidate since it was shown to be more cytocompatible and potent against the investigated bacteria than LL-37 in all the tested models.

Direct anterior versus posterolateral approach for bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty in femoral neck fractures: a prospective randomised study.

INTRODUCTION: Femoral neck fractures are a major problem in orthopaedic practice, having a huge impact on society, and involving a large number of elderly patients for whom early recovery is paramount. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare 2 surgical approaches, direct anterior (DA group) versus posterolateral (PL group), used for bipolar hip hemiarthroplasty (BHA) with femoral neck fractures in order to assess pain recovery after surgery. Our hypothesis was that early pain recovery would be faster in the DA group. METHODS: 100 patients were randomised to surgery using either a DA group or PL group approach, and were then followed up for 6 months. Surgical time, intra- and postoperative complications were recorded for each patient. The main outcome, pain, was recorded using an NRS scale at 3 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery. At the same time, patient status was evaluated using Activities of Daily Living and Cumulated Ambulation Score scales. RESULTS: Surgical time was longer in the DA group (p < 0.0001). Pain perception at 3 days and at 1 month after surgery was significantly lower in DA group patients (p < 0.0001). The results of the other scales were comparable in the 2 groups (at 3 days, 1 and 3 months after surgery). DISCUSSION: The DA approach offers a significant advantage in terms of pain perception up to 1 month after the operation. Early recovery in terms of pain perception is an important finding. Future studies should explore whether this early pain reduction could translate into a faster rehabilitation programme for an earlier recovery of full function.Clinical trial registration: Protocol 423/CE; Study n. CE 41/15.

Comparison of clinical results after augmented versus direct surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: Achilles tendon rupture is frequent and can result in a disabling condition. The ideal method of management remains a matter of debate. We aimed to compare the clinical outcome of patients who underwent surgical repair of Achilles tendon rupture with Silfverskiöld augmentation technique with gastrocnemius fascia flap versus Krackow end-to-end stitching technique. METHODS: We retrospectively studied all patients that were surgically treated for Achilles tendon rupture at our institution, between January 2000 and December 2015, using either Silfverskiöld or Krackow technique. We excluded all patients deceased or untreaceble, and those refusing the follow up interview. Disability, Quality-of-Life and functional restriction were evaluated using the Achilles-Tendon-total-Rupture-Score (ATRS) and Foot-and-Ankle-Disability-Index (FADI); means were compared by the Mann-Whitney test and correlations by the Spearman coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.3±12.6 years. The augmented repair group-A included 33 patients and the simple repair group-B 57 patients. Follow-up averaged 8 years (1 to 16). FADI was 103.7±1.6 for group-A versus 100.3±15.6 for group-B. ATRS was 2.0±7.1 and 5.7±18.8, respecitvely. Differences were not significant. Age showed a low linear correlation with ATRS (R=0.41) and FADI (R=-0.40), indicating that clinical outcomes minimally tend to worsen in older patients. CONCLUSIONS: We didn't find significative differences in the clinical outcomes between the two groups of patients. Acute uncomplicated Achilles tendon ruptures can be successfully treated with a direct suture technique. Augmentation with a fascial flap should be reserved to chronic or neglected cases with severe tendinosis or tissue defect.

Long-term outcome of Rockwood capsular shift for recurrent shoulder dislocation.

PURPOSE: To review the long-term outcome of Rockwood capsular shift for recurrent shoulder dislocation secondary to trauma. METHODS: Records of 30 males and 4 females who underwent Rockwood capsular shift for recurrent (≥2 episodes) anterior shoulder dislocation were reviewed. An additional Bankart repair with different techniques was performed in 24 of the patients by 2 different surgeons. The outcome was assessed using the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and the Western Ontario Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder (WOOS) index questionnaires, the modified Rowe score, and the Constant-Murley score. Shoulder range of motion (ROM) was measured. Degenerative joint changes were evaluated on radiographs. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 13 (range, 10-16) years, 6 (18%) patients had a mean of 1.2 recurrent dislocations. Four of the patients reported a traumatic event during recurrent dislocation. Of the 6 patients, 3 had undergone a Bankart lesion repair. Better Rowe and adjusted Constant scores were associated with lower age at first dislocation, at the index surgical procedure, and at follow-up. Four patients developed glenohumeral osteoarthritis: 2 were mild or moderate and 2 were severe and symptomatic. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis was associated with follow-up duration (p=0.03) and poorer Rowe score (p=0.012), adjusted Constant score (p=0.001), and WOOS score (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Rockwood capsular shift can preserve shoulder ROM, with rates of recurrent dislocation and degenerative joint changes comparable with other techniques.

Cross-cultural validation of the Italian version of the Cumulated Ambulation Score.

Hip fractures are common in elderly patients, and walking impairment is a frequent complication. The Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS) is a validated functional scale used to monitor easily three basic mobility activities in patients with hip fracture. The aim of this study was to translate, cross-cultural adapt, and validate the CAS in the Italian language (CAS-I). The translation was carried out according to recommended guidelines. The final version of the CAS-I was administered to 80 geriatric patients with hip fracture admitted to a Traumatology Unit, and allowed full weight-bearing after treatment with hemiarthroplasty. Two raters evaluated each patient 2 days after surgery and then after 3 months. Statistical methods included Cronbach's α coefficient for the scale's internal consistency; the total agreement; and the κ coefficient for the inter-rater reliability. The concurrent validity of the scale was determined by comparing the total CAS-I (0-6 points) with the Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living score (0-4 points). Internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of the CAS, evaluated with Cronbach's α and κ, respectively, were above 0.84 and 0.94. The SE of measurement for the total CAS-I (0-6 points) 2 days and 3 months after surgery were 0.03 and 0.13 points, respectively. The CAS-I showed a significant correlation with the first four items of the Activities of Daily Living score scale (r≥0.85, P<0.001). This study confirms the validity of the CAS-I for patients with a hemiarthroplasty after hip fracture and provides additional evidence of the psychometric properties of the scale. We suggest that the official CAS-I version be used in other settings to evaluate the basic mobility in patients with hip fracture.

Histology and ultrastructure of a tissue-engineered collagen meniscus before and after implantation.

The collagen meniscus implant (CMI) is a tissue-engineering technique designed to stimulate regeneration of meniscus-like tissue in cases of irreparable tears or previous meniscectomy. CMI morphology was investigated before and after implantation by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In a case series biopsy specimens were harvested from four patients who underwent a second arthroscopic look 6 months after placement of the CMI. CMI sections appeared composed of parallel connective laminae of 10-30 microm, connected by smaller bundles (5-10 microm). This connective network formed lacunae with diameters between 40 and 60 microm. At greater magnification, the walls of the lacunae demonstrated tightly packed and randomly distributed collagen fibrils, with diameters ranging from 73 to 439 nm. In the biopsy specimens, the lacunae were filled with connective tissue that contained newly formed vessels and fibroblast-like cells, presenting an abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum and several mitochondria. In the extracellular matrix, the collagen fibrils showed uniform diameters (126 nm +/- 32 nm). The original structure of CMI was still recognizable, and no inflammatory cells were detected within the implant. The morphological findings of this case series demonstrate that CMI provides a three-dimensional scaffold suitable for colonization by precursor cells and vessels and leading to the formation of a fully functional tissue.

Arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte implantation for the treatment of a chondral defect in the tibial plateau of the knee.

The matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI; Verigen, Leverküsen, Germany) is a tissue engineering technique for the treatment of deep chondral lesions. Cultured chondrocytes are seeded on a collagen membrane that can be implanted into the defect using exclusively fibrin glue. These features imply some surgical advantages with respect to the traditional ACI technique, such as the possibility of performing the procedure in articular sites, in which putting stitches for the periosteal patch is impossible. We report on the arthroscopic MACI technique for the treatment of a chondral defect of the knee. A 25-year-old man suffered persistent pain at the left knee after a violent direct trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopic examination at the time of cartilage biopsy revealed a 2-cm2 chondral lesion in the posterior portion of the lateral tibial plateau. The implantation procedure was performed through traditional arthroscopic portals, and the seeded membrane was fixed with fibrin glue, excluding water flow temporarily. Implant stability was verified intraoperatively, and filling of the defect was shown 12 months after surgery by MRI, which showed a hyaline-like cartilage signal. In this specific case, the arthroscopic approach allowed to achieve an optimal view of the lesion, without sacrificing any tendinous or ligamentous structure of the knee.