High degree of consensus on diagnosis and management of rotator cuff tears: a Delphi approach.

PURPOSE: To develop a consensus on diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tears. The study focused on selected areas: imaging, prognostic factors, treatment options, surgical techniques. METHODS: Panel was composed of all members of the shoulder committee of the Italian Society of Arthroscopy, Knee, Upper arm, Sport, Cartilage and Orthopedic techniques (SIAGASCOT). Four rounds were performed. The first round consisted of gathering questions which were then divided into seven blocks referring to: imaging, patient-related prognostic factors, treatment options, surgical steps, reparative techniques, surgical predictive factors, advanced techniques. Subsequent rounds consisted of condensation by means of online questionnaire and debates. Consensus was defined as two-thirds agreement on one answer. Descriptive statistic was used to summarize the data. RESULTS: Forty-one shoulder experts were involved. Fifty-six statements were finally formulated. A consensus could be achieved on 51. Experts agreed that preoperative magnetic resonance imaging is strongly recommended because it allows a careful evaluation of tear characteristics, while the role of US remains debatable. Controversial patient-related factors such as age, comorbidities, smoking and stiffness do not contraindicate the repair. From a surgical standpoint, the experts highlighted that pseudo-paralysis is not a contraindication to rotator cuff repair. Consensus on specific surgical steps was also achieved: capsular release should be performed only in stiff shoulders; footprint preparation is mandatory, while debridement of tendon edges is not essential. If necessary, a rotator interval release could be performed without interrupting the continuity between subscapularis and supraspinatus tendon; posterior delamination should be always included in the repair. Advanced techniques such as tendon transfers should be selected based on the main clinical deficit, while the superior capsule reconstruction plays a role only in combination with a functional repair. CONCLUSION: A consensus was achieved almost on every topic of controversy explored. Particularly, MRI was deemed necessary to determine tear characteristics, while radiographs remain important for differential diagnosis; age should not be considered a contraindication to surgery; pseudo-paralysis does not represent a contraindication to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but superior capsule reconstruction plays a role only in combination with a functional repair. Latissimus dorsi transfer plays a role when the main functional deficit is in elevation, while the lower trapezius transfer plays a role when the main functional deficit is the external-rotation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Delayed Surgical Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures in Major Trauma Is Safe and Effective.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether delaying operative fixation through the sinus tarsi approach resulted in a decreased wound complications rate or could hinder the quality of reduction in subjects with Sanders type II and III displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2019, all polytrauma patients were screened for eligibility. We divided patients into two groups: Group A, treated within 21 days after injury; Group B, treated more than 21 days after injury. Wound infections were recorded. Radiographic assessment consisted of serial radiographs and CT scans: postoperatively (T0) and at 12 weeks (T1) and at 12 months after surgery (T2). The quality of reduction of the posterior subtalar joint facet and calcaneal cuboid joint (CCJ) was classified as anatomical and non-anatomical. A post hoc power calculation was performed. RESULTS: A total of 54 subjects were enrolled. Four wound complications (three superficial, one deep) were identified in Group A; two wound complications (one superficial one deep) were identified in Group B. According to "mean interval between trauma and surgery" and "duration of intervention", there was a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between Groups A and B in terms of wound complications or quality of reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The sinus tarsi approach is a valuable approach for the surgical treatment of closed displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures in major trauma patients who need delayed surgery. The timing of surgery did not negatively influence the quality of the reduction and the wound complication rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level II, prospective comparative study.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Demonstrates Better Outcomes Than Angular Stable Plate in the Treatment of Three-part and Four-part Proximal Humerus Fractures in Patients Older Than 70 Years.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures are traditionally treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), but reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has emerged as an increasingly popular treatment option. Although ORIF with angular locking plates is a common treatment for proximal humerus fractures, prior reports suggest high failure and complication rates. Although RTSA has become an increasingly popular option for complex proximal humeral head fractures given its low complication rates, there are concerns it may lead to limited postoperative ROM. Thus, the optimal treatment for patients older than 70 years from a functional and radiographic perspective remains unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) In patients older than 70 years with three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures, does RTSA result in better functional outcome scores (Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], and DASH scores) than ORIF with a locking plate? (2) Does RTSA result in greater ROM than ORIF? (3) Does RTSA result in a lower risk of complications than ORIF? (4) In patients with either procedure, what are the rates of negative radiographic outcomes in those treated with ORIF (such as malunion, bone resorption, malalignment, or avascular necrosis) or those with RTSA (such as resorption, notching, and loosening)? (5) At a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, does ORIF result in a greater number of revision procedures than RTSA? METHODS: Between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2018, we treated 235 patients for a proximal humeral fracture. We considered only patients without previous ipsilateral fracture or surgery, other fractures, or radial nerve injuries; age older than 70 years; and patients without neurologic disease or cognitive dysfunction as potentially eligible. Sixty-nine percent (162 patients) of the patients were eligible; a further 31% (73 patients) were excluded because 18% (13 of 73 patients) did not meet the inclusion criteria, 62% (45 patients) underwent nonoperative treatment, and 21% (15 patients) declined to participate. Patients were nonrandomly allocated to receive RTSA if they had supraspinatus Goutallier/Fuchs Grade 3 or 4 atrophy or ORIF if they had supraspinatus Goutallier/Fuchs Grade 1 or 2 atrophy. This left 81 patients who were treated with RTSA and another 81 patients who were treated with ORIF. Among the 81 patients treated with RTSA, 11% (nine patients) were lost to the minimum study follow-up of 2 years or had incomplete datasets, leaving 89% (72 patients) for analysis. Among the 81 patients treated with ORIF, 19% (15 patients) were lost before the minimal study follow-up of 2 years or had incomplete datasets, leaving 82% (66 patients) for analysis. The median follow-up for both groups was 53 months (range 24 to 72 months). The mean age was 76 ± 2.9 years in the RTSA group and 73 ± 2.9 years in the ORIF group. In the RTSA group, 27 patients had a three-part fracture and 45 patients had a four-part fracture. In the ORIF group, 24 patients had three-part fractures and 42 patients had four-part fractures (p = 0.48). Shoulder function was assessed using functional outcome questionnaires (ASES, DASH, and Constant) and active ROM measurements. A surgical complication was defined as any instance of dislocations, fractures, adhesive capsulitis, nerve injuries, or surgical site infections. Radiographic outcomes after ORIF (malunion, tuberosity resorption, or avascular necrosis) and RTSA (notching and osteolysis) were assessed. In calculating the revision rate, we considered unplanned revision procedures only. RESULTS: Compared with patients treated with ORIF, patients treated with RTSA had superior improvements in Constant (85.0 ± 7.0 versus 53.0 ± 5.0; mean difference 32 [95% CI 30 to 34]; p < 0.01), ASES (46.3 ± 3.7 versus 30.0 ± 3.5; mean difference 16 [95% CI 15 to 18]; p < 0.01), and DASH scores (40.5 ± 4.2 versus 30.5 ± 2.6; mean difference 10 [95% CI 9 to 11]; p < 0.01). The mean elevation was 135° ± 7° for patients with RTSA and 100° ± 6° for patients with ORIF (mean difference 35 o [95% CI 33 to 37]; p < 0.01). The mean abduction was 131° ± 7° for patients with RTSA and 104° ± 6° for those with ORIF (mean difference 27 o [95% CI 25° to 29°]; p < 0.01). The mean external rotation was 85° ± 5° for patients with RTSA and 64° ± 5° for those with ORIF (mean difference 21° [95% CI 19° to 23°]; p < 0.01). The mean internal rotation was 45° ± 6° for patients with RTSA and 40° ± 6° for those with ORIF (mean difference 5° [95% CI 3° to 7°]; p < 0.01). The risk of complications was not different between patients with ORIF and those with RTSA (5% [three of 66] versus 1% [one of 72]; relative risk 3.3 [95% CI 0.3 to 30.7]; p = 0.30). Among patients with ORIF, 8% had varus malunions (five of 66), 6% had resorption of the greater tuberosity (four of 66), and 2% had avascular necrosis of the humeral head (one of 66). In the RTSA group, 24% (17 of 72 patients) demonstrated reabsorption of periprosthetic bone and 79% of patients (57 of 72) exhibited no notching. The risk of revision was not different between the RTSA and ORIF groups (0% [0 of 72] versus 9% [six of 66]; relative risk 0.07 [95% CI 0.0 to 1.2]; p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: In patients older than 70 years with three-part and four-part proximal humerus fractures, primary RTSA resulted in better patient-reported outcome scores and better ROM than ORIF with an angular stable locking plate. Our findings might help surgeons decide between internal fixation and arthroplasty to surgically treat these injuries in older patients. Although RTSA seems to be a preferable treatment modality in view of these findings, longer follow-up is required to evaluate its longevity compared with ORIF with an angular locking plate. Dissimilar to ORIF, which is generally stable once healed, arthroplasties are at a continued risk for loosening and infection even after healing is complete. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Achilles Tendon Rupture and Dysmetabolic Diseases: A Multicentric, Epidemiologic Study.

Introduction: Achilles tendon ruptures are common. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, thyroid disorders, and obesity, impair tendons health, leading to Achilles tendinopathy and likely predisposing patients to Achilles tendon ruptures. Materials and methods: Patients who visited the Orthopedic Outpatient Clinics and the Accident and Emergency Departments of five different hospitals in Italy were recruited. Through telephone interviews, we administered a questionnaire to all the patients who had undergone surgical ATR repair, evaluating their past medical history, sport- and work-related activities, drug use, and post-operative rehabilitation outcomes. Results: "Return to work activities/sport" was negatively predicted by the presence of a metabolic disorder (ß = -0.451; OR = 0.637) and 'open' surgery technique (ß = -0.389; OR = 0.678). "Medical complications" were significantly predicted by metabolic disorders (ß = 0.600 (0.198); OR = 1.822) and was negatively related to 'mini-invasive' surgery (i.e., not 'open' nor 'percutaneous') (ß = -0.621; OR = 0.537). "Immediate weightbearing" and "immediate walking without assistance" were negatively predicted by 'open' technique (ß = -0.691; OR = 0.501 and ß = -0.359 (0.174; OR = 0.698)). Conclusions: Metabolic conditions can strongly affect post-operative outcomes following surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon tears.

Suprapatellar intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in pregnancy. A report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of closed tibial shaft fractures in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy is controversial. Since there are few case reports published in literature, there is no consensus on the appropriate management of these fractures. This case report proposes intramedullary nailing throught the suprapatellar approach for the treatment of tibial shaft fracture in pregnant women, never described before in literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report 2 cases of a tibial diaphyseal fracture treated by intramedullary nailing in women at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of tibial shaft fracture of pregnant women in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy with intramedullary nailing seems to be safe. The use of the specific suprapatellar approach helps in the intra-operative management of the pregnant patients.

Reoperation of Maisonneuve fracture with quadricortical syndesmotic screw, zip tight and fibula elongation by autograph: a case report in covid-19 patient.

PURPOSE: . We report a Maisonneuve case of reoperation with proximal fibula fracture, diastasis of syndesmosis and parcel posterior detachment of the third malleolus. PRESENTATION OF CASES: We report a case of 49- year old patient with a Maisonneuve fracture. The first surgery has failed with three-cortical screw rupture.  The second surgery was based on the implantation of quadricortical screw, zip tight and fibula elongation with autograph. The results were excellent despite the patient having contracted Covid-19 virus during rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: Maisonneuve fracture is a misdiagnosed fracture. The diagnosis may be made by RX or TC of lower limb. There are many treatments provides to stabilized and reduced the ankle. We believe the gold standard is the correct realignment of syndesmosis and a strong synthesis. CONCLUSION: The Maisonneuve fracture accounts for 7% of all ankle fractures but misdiagnosed. We emphasize the importance of making good diagnosis of this fracture for an excellent surgical result and avoiding the chronic complications of incorrect treatment. In this case the physical rehabilitation is delayed by covid-19 infection so we suggest to carry out studies on post-operative period in orthopedic patients during this global pandemic.

Imaging Review of Pelvic Ring Fractures and Its Complications in High-Energy Trauma.

Pelvic ring fractures are common in high-energy blunt trauma, especially in traffic accidents. These types of injuries have a high rate of morbidity and mortality, due to the common instability of the fractures, and the associated intrapelvic vascular and visceral complications. Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard technique in the evaluation of pelvic trauma because it can quickly and accurately identify pelvic ring fractures, intrapelvic active bleeding, and lesions of other body systems. To properly guide the multidisciplinary management of the polytrauma patient, a classification criterion is mandatory. In this review, we decided to focus on the Young and Burgess classification, because it combines the mechanism and the stability of the fractures, helping to accurately identify injuries and related complications.

Return to sports after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in patients with concomitant patella-femoral osteoarthritis: multicenter retrospective cohort study with minimum 5-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and return to sports after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in middle-aged active patients with concomitant patella-femoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis at time of surgery. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty-one patients who underwent medial fixed-bearing cemented UKA, between 2012 and 2015, for medial unicompartmental osteoarthritis of the knee, were retrospectively reviewed with a minimum 5-year follow-up. The mean age at surgery was 54.3 years (range 47 to 60 years). Radiological evaluation of patella-femoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis was performed according to Sperner classification to select a control-group (< grade III) and case-group (≥ grade III). The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Knee Society score (KSS) was used to evaluate preoperative and final outcomes. Physical activity level before and after the surgery was assessed by the use of UCLA score. RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty-seven patients (89 males and 48 females) were available at last follow-up. The mean follow-up was 6.2 years (range 5.2 to 7.5 years). At last follow-up improvements of VAS and KSS scores revealed not significant correlation with PFJ osteoarthritis. The majority of patients (87.7%) returned to their sports activity after UKA surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Improved quality of life and sports activity level resulted in middle-aged, active patients after UKAs. PFJ osteoarthritis showed no significant correlation with poorer outcomes at 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, multicenter retrospective cohort study.

Distal biceps tendon repair and posterior interosseous nerve injury: clinical results and a systematic review of the literature.

Aim To report clinical, functional and radiographic results of oneincision distal biceps tendon repair with Toggle Loc (Zimmer-Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA) at an average 4-year follow-up and to assess posterior interosseous nerve injury complications after reconstruction. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 58 consecutive distal biceps tendon repairs performed at our department between 2010 and 2018. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scale and elbow range of motion (ROM) were recorded at each follow-up and an ultrasound examination was also performed to assess the repaired biceps brachii tendon. Results Clinical evaluation showed good and excellent results at medium- and long-term follow-up. A temporary posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy developed in four (6.81%) patients and always resolved in 8 weeks. PIN palsy prevalence is in accordance with the results of the previous studies. Conclusion Distal biceps tendon repair with Toggle Loc is an effective surgical procedure. PIN injury is a relatively rare complication after one-incision anterior repair. Our complication rate did not differ significantly from other studies that have used cortical button fixation, reported in current literature. Our results confirm that accidental injury of PIN may also happen to experienced surgeons and suggest extreme care and an appropriate surgical technique to reduce this iatrogenic risk.

Over the top anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in patients with open physes: a long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in skeletally immature athletes is becoming an injury with increasing incidence. Choices of treatment are still debated, including conservative management vs. various surgical techniques. The lack of long-term reports has been highlighted in the literature. AIM: To evaluate long-term results of ACL reconstructions performed in skeletally immature patients using the Over the Top technique with lateral extra-articular tenodesis. METHODS: Retrospective study. All surgeries performed by same surgeon. A total of 42 patients included. All patients had pre-operative radiological studies. SUBJECTS: 30 males and 12 females. Average age: 12.5 years (range 11-14 years). Average follow-up: 96.1 months. Clinical evaluation: Pedi-IKDC, Tegner-Lysholm, KT-1000 and plain radiographs. Standardized rehabilitation protocol. RESULTS: No instability or leg length discrepancy was recorded. Average pre-operative Tegner-Lysholm and Pedi-IKDC scores were 55 and 40, respectively, with a score of 94.8 (p < 0.05) and 94.78, respectively, at final follow-up (p < 0.05). Average post-operative (1 month) Tegner-Lysholm score: 75 (range: 62-79). Median post-operative Tegner activity: 8. Mean side-to-side (KT-1000): 1.2 mm. A total of 22 patients could go back to pre-injury sport activity, with an average rehabilitation of 7.3 months. DISCUSSION: A significant number of cases were included in our structured standardized study and follow-up. Functional scores were excellent overall. Excellent results are testified by a final achievement of 22 patients going back to pre-injury sport activity, which is in keeping with the literature. Our experience exhibited a low complication rate and no metalwork failure. We correlate our results to the use of the Over the Top technique with lateral extra-articular tenodesis. CONCLUSION: The studied procedure seems to be an excellent option and an effective, feasible and safe technique when treating ruptured ACLs in skeletally immature patients.

A new geometric model to quantify the area of glenoid bone defect and medialisation of the native joint line in glenohumeral arthritis.

PURPOSE: To propose a geometric model to quantify the bone defect and the glenoid medialisation (in millimetres) compared to the native joint line. We also evaluated the reliability of this geometric model. METHODS: Using two-dimensional CT imaging, we built a hypothetical triangle on the axial scan consisting of the following: side A, length (millimetres) of the glenoid bone; side B, average length (millimetres) of the glenoid in a healthy population; side C, the missing side; and angle α, the retroversion angle calculated using the Friedman method. The resulting triangle represents the bone defect, and its height represents the medialisation of the native joint line. To estimate inter-operator reliability, two physicians (operator 1 and operator 2) took the following measurements: angle α, side A, side C, semi-perimeter, area defect and height. RESULTS: Forty participants (mean age ± SD 45 ± 10 years, range 26-43 years)-22 women and 18 men-participated in the study. We applied the cosine theorem (Carnot theorem) to calculate side C. After obtaining the three sides, the area of the triangle can be determined. Once the area is known, it is possible to extrapolate the height of the triangle, which corresponds to the loss of vault depth due to the bone defect. With respect to inter-operator reliability, the ICCs for all measurements were > 0.99, exhibiting a very high correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed geometric model can be used to quantify the glenoid bone deficit and the glenoid medialisation compared to the native joint line, which can be used to improve surgical treatment.

Surgical repair of chronic patellar tendon rupture in total knee replacement with ipsilateral hamstring tendons.

PURPOSE: Patellar tendon rupture is a serious complication of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Its reconstruction in patients with chronic ruptures is technically demanding. This article reports the results of surgical reconstruction of neglected patellar tendon rupture in TKA using autologous hamstring tendons. METHODS: Nine TKA patients (six women and three men) (mean age at index surgery 68 years) with chronic patellar tendon tears underwent reconstruction with ipsilateral hamstrings tendon, leaving the distal insertion in situ. The clinical diagnosis was supported by imaging (anterior-posterior and 30° flexion lateral radiographs). Insall-Salvati index, range of motion, and leg extension test were recorded preoperatively and at last follow-up. The modified Cincinnati rating system and the Kujala score were administered. The patients sustained the patellar tendon tear an average of 8 weeks before the procedure. RESULTS: At final follow-up of 4 years (range 2-8 years), the median of extension lag was 5° (range 0°-15°; DS = 5). The median of post-operative Insall-Salvati index was 1.4 (range 1.3-1.8; SD = 0.15; p = 0.002) compared to the preoperative index of 1.7 (range 1.5-2.2; SD = 0.23). The mean modified Cincinnati and Kujala scores significantly increased compared with the preoperative ones (p < 0.01). At final follow-up, all patients were able to walk without brace or aids, and they were satisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSION: Based on our retrospective study of nine patients, reconstruction of neglected patellar tendon rupture in TKA with autologous hamstring tendons is feasible and safe, and provides good functional recovery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Acute compartment syndrome.

BACKGROUND: acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is one of the few true emergencies in orthopedics and traumatology. It is a painful condition caused by the increase interstitial pressure (intracompart-mental pressure - ICP) within a closed osteofascial compartment which impair local circulation. It occurs most often in the legs, but it can affects also the arms, hands, feet, and buttocks. It usually develops after a severe injury such as fractures or crush injury, but it can also occurs after a relatively minor injury and it may be iatrogenic. Uncommon causes of ACS have been also described, that suggest surgeons to pay great attention to this serious complication. Diagnosing ACS is difficult in clinical practice, even among expert surgeons. Currently, the diagnosis is made on the basis of physical examination and repeated ICP measures. ICP higher than 30 mmHg of diastolic blood pressure is significant of compartment syndrome. Once diagnosis is made, fasciotomy to release the affected compartment should be performed as early as possible because delayed decompression would lead to irreversible ischemic damage to muscles and peripheral nerves. CONCLUSION: acute compartment syndrome is a surgical emergency. There is still little consensus among authors about diagnosis and treatment of these serious condition, in particular about the ICP at which fasciotomy is absolutely indicated and the timing of wound closure. New investigations are needed in order to improve diagnosis and treatment of ACS.

I.S.Mu.L.T - Rotator Cuff Tears Guidelines.

Despite the high level achieved in the field of shoulder surgery, a global consensus on rotator cuff tears management is lacking. This work is divided into two main sessions: in the first, we set questions about hot topics involved in the rotator cuff tears, from the etiopathogenesis to the surgical treatment. In the second, we answered these questions by mentioning Evidence Based Medicine. The aim of the present work is to provide easily accessible guidelines: they could be considered as recommendations for a good clinical practice developed through a process of systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, in order to improve the quality of care and rationalize the use of resources.

All arthroscopic stabilization of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation with fiberwire and endobutton system.

INTRODUCTION: acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is common in athletes and in contact sports and about 9% of shoulder injuries involves this joint. The majority of these AC lesions can be successfully treated conservatively but high grade dislocation and some cases of type III dislocation need a surgical treatment. Many different operative techniques have been described over the years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of arthroscopic stabilization of AC joint dislocation with TightRope® system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: nineteen patients with acute AC dislocation were treated by arthroscopic fixation with TightRope® system. Any associated lesions were repaired. All patients were assessed before surgery (T0), at 3 months (T1), at 6 months (T2) and at 1 year after the surgery (T3) using a visual analogic scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley Score (CMS). All patients were evaluated with X-ray. RESULTS: six AC-joint dislocations involved the right shoulder and thirteen the left shoulder. Ten were type III dislocation, three were type IV and six were type V dislocation. We found a statistically significant reduction of pain (p< 0.01) at T1 compared to the pretreatment scores. The CMS measures showed an improvement between T1, T2 and T3, but the difference was statistically significant only between T1 and T3 (p= 0.017). The postoperative X-Ray of the shoulder showed a good reduction of the AC joint dislocation. We had 1 case of recurrence and 2 cases of loss of intraoperative reduction. CONCLUSION: arthroscopic technique for acute AC joint dislocations with the use of the TightRope® device is minimally invasive and it allows an anatomic restoration of the joint. It is a safe and effective procedure ensuring stable AC joint reconstruction and good cosmetic results.

Clinical and biological aspects of rotator cuff tears.

Rotator cuff tears are common and are a frequent source of shoulder pain and disability. A wide variation in the prevalence of rotator cuff tears has been reported. The etiology of rotator cuff tear remains multifactorial and attempts to unify intrinsic and extrinsic theories tried to explain the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears. Knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of rotator cuff tears is important to improve our therapies, surgical techniques and promote tendon repair. Several strategies have been proposed to enhance tendon healing and recently research has focused on regenerative therapies, such as Growth Factors (GFs) and Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP), with high expectations of success.

In vitro release and expansion of mesenchymal stem cells by a hyaluronic acid scaffold used in combination with bone marrow.

Articular cartilage injuries of the knee are difficult to treat due to the poor healing ability of cartilage and conventional treatment methods often give unsatisfactory results. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have generated interest as an alternative source of cells for cartilage tissue engineering due to their chondrogenic potential and their easy isolation from bone marrow. It has been reported that the use of scaffold in cartilage engineering acts as a support for cell adhesion, keeping the cells in the cartilage defects and therefore facilitating tissue formation, and that Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a molecule of particular interest for producing scaffold for tissue engineering. In this study we evaluated the in vitro selection and expansion of Bone Marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) and by residual BM+HA membrane (BM-HA-MSCs) used as scaffold. Sixty mL of BM have been aspirated by the posterior iliac crest and HA membrane (Hyalograft-C, Fidia Advanced Biopolimers) was used as scaffold. BM-MSCs were cultured with D-MEM supplemented with Desamethasone, Ascorbic Acid, ß-Transforming Growth Factor and Insulin. When cultured in chondrogenic selective medium MSCs from both BM and HA membrane were able to differentiate into chondrogenesis, but BM-HA-MSCs showed a higher staining intensity than BM-MSCs when they were stained with Toluidine blue. The interaction of MSCs with the HA-scaffold seems to promote by itself chondrogenesis.

Glenoid osteolysis after arthroscopic labrum repair with a bioabsorbable suture anchor.

Bioabsorbable suture anchors are commonly used for arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff and labrum lesions. They provide soft-tissue attachment to bone. They have been introduced to avoid complications such as artefacts on MRI scans, commonly seen with metal anchors. However, bioabsorbable implants may lead to other problems such as local osteolysis, cyst formation, soft tissue inflammation and release of implant fragments into the joint space. The author describes the case of a professional female volleyball player, who presented osteolysis of the superior pole of the glenoid after arthroscopic repair of a SLAP lesion with a PLLA suture anchor. This is the first reported case of glenoid osteolysis after arthroscopic insertion of a bioabsorbable suture anchor. The author feels that the cause of osteolysis was a biological response to mechanical stress.