The ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C vs bromelainvitamin C to prevent ankle complications in post-operative bimalleolar surgery.

Aim To investigate whether the use of ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C or bromelain-vitamin C is the best to prevent ankle complications in post operative bimalleolar surgery. Methods A total of 61 patients treated with bimalleolar surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups: the first group (n=22) treated only with the surgery, the second group (n=18) treated by ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C, and the third group (n=21) was treated with bromelain-vitamin C. All patients in the second and third group underwent adjuvant therapy for 50 days. The criteria to evaluate the three groups during the clinical and radiological follow-up were as follows: complications and soft tissue status. Bone healing measured by the Radiographic Union Score Ankle (RUSA), and functional results were evaluated according to the American Foot & Ankle Score (AFAS). Results In the first group nine (out of 22; 40.90%) patients developed complications, in the second group three (out of 18; 16.67%) and in the third group seven (out of 21; 33.33%) presented complications. There is no statistical difference between the three groups regarding the type of fractures, mean age, gender ratio. The worst radiographic and stiffness results in the first group were found (p=0.006). The second group showed better bone healing (p=0.049), better performance in functional recovery measured by AFAS (p=0.039). Conclusion Ion resonance and bromelain-vitamin C group showed better outcomes to improve the functional outcome; it allows reduction of complications, consequently, an early return to quality life, and a corresponding improvement of the quality of life.

Fractures around Trochanteric Nails: The "Vergilius Classification System".

INTRODUCTION: The fractures that occurred around trochanteric nails (perinail fractures, PNFs) are becoming a huge challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. Although presenting some specific critical issues (i.e., patients' outcomes and treatment strategies), these fractures are commonly described within peri-implant ones and their treatment was based on periprosthetic fracture recommendations. The knowledge gap about PNFs leads us to convene a research group with the aim to propose a specific classification system to guide the orthopaedic surgeon in the management of these fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A steering committee, identified by two Italian associations of orthopaedic surgeons, conducted a comprehensive literature review on PNFs to identify the unmet needs about this topic. Subsequently, a panel of experts was involved in a consensus meeting proposing a specific classification system and formulated treatment statements for PNFs. Results and Discussion. The research group considered four PNF main characteristics for the classification proposal: (1) fracture localization, (2) fracture morphology, (3) fracture fragmentation, and (3) healing status of the previous fracture. An alphanumeric code was included to identify each characteristic, allowing to describe up to 54 categories of PNFs, using a 3- to 4-digit code. The proposal of the consensus-based classification reporting the most relevant aspects for PNF treatment might be a useful tool to guide the orthopaedic surgeon in the appropriate management of these fractures.