Orthopaedic Practice Research Articles

Radiographic and functional results of Ilizarov fixation in the management of nonunion of tibia and femur fractures: a retrospective case series.

Femoral and tibial fractures may result in delayed union and nonunion, posing significant challenges in orthopedic practice. The Ilizarov technique has emerged as a promising solution for managing these complex cases. Evaluate the radiographic and functional results of Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of nonunion of tibia and femur fractures. Retrospective. Hospitals affiliated with a university hospital. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and treatment details were analyzed for the period from October 2015 to September 2022 in patients who were treated for nonunion of the tibia and femur using the Ilizarov fixator. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. The study focused on assessing the average duration for union and frame removal, bone results, successful union rates, and functional results using the ASAMI criteria, obtaining data from the existing medical records, spanning various medical facilities treating nonunion fractures. 126 patients. The average duration for union and frame removal was 8 months, with excellent bone results observed in 60.32% of cases. Out of 126 patients, 118 achieved successful union, while there were 2 failure cases necessitating amputation (1.52%). Functional results revealed excellent outcomes in 39.68% of cases. Complications included pin tract infections, ankle and knee stiffness, and limb shortening. External fixation duration and infection eradication were consistent with previous research, emphasizing the technique's effectiveness. The Ilizarov technique proved highly effective in managing nonunion tibia and femur fractures, offering favorable outcomes in terms of union, infection control, pain relief, and functional recovery. While excellent bone outcomes do not guarantee optimal function, this method remains a reliable approach for complex cases. Potential biases inherent in retrospective analyses and the need for further randomized controlled trials to comprehensively compare treatment modalities.

Protocole à fin de constitution d’un registre français des prothèses de hanche

INTRODUCTION: Use of joint prostheses is growing widely, in particular in developed countries. The « Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique » (SOFCOT) has submitted in 2007 to the «Commission Nationale Informatique et liberté» (CNIL) a project for creating a hip prostheses registry. More recently, the « Conseil National Professionnel de chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique » (CNP-COT) developed a national implants and observatory registry on surgical orthopaedic and traumatologic practices and pathologies (RENACOT) aiming to assure traceability and materio-vigilance of hip implants used in France. The main objective of the study is to report the current state of surgical techniques, used implants and their evolutions in hip arthroplasty in France using retrospective data provided by a multicenter registry since 2006.MATERIAL ET METHODS: On the one hand, the research systematically lists the main characteristics of all implants used in hip arthroplasty; and on the other hand, these informations are correlated with epidemiologic, demographic data, CROMs and PROMs. The study group consists by all patients receiving a hip reconstruction either in traumatology (femoral neck fractures) or above all for degenerative diseases. The data are collected in 2 questionnaires. The link between primary and revision surgery of the same prosthesis is automatic through the patient social security N°, sex and operated side.RESULTS: Patient demographics provides the corresponding population epidemiologic information’s. Registered data are available through 3 modes: 1- In running time, the registry board members only can accede to all collected data by internet 2- A biennal report of the national hip replacement activity 3- Any particular request about a specific matter or implant DISCUSSION One of the major registry interests in case of revision is the possibility to assure an automatic link with the corresponding primary arthroplasty. This is only possible if the primary questionnaire is already implemented and if the correspondence between the primary arthroplasty and the same hip reoperation/revision can automatically be established from the moment where both questionnaires are correctly completed in the registry. The CNP, through the RENACOT spreading use, aims to extend such registry practice to all orthopaedic and traumatologic surgical fields.

Comparison of Radiofrequency Ablation and Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis; Short and Medium Term Results

Objective: Plantar fasciitis, commonly found in orthopaedic practice, may restrict daily life activities and lead to loss of workforce. We aimed to evaluate the short- and medium-term outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and steroid injection treatments in patients with plantar fasciitis who did not benefit from conservative therapies through pain and function scores. Material and Method: Patients studied at the Hakkari State Hospital for at least six months of conservative treatment due to plantar fasciitis between 01.07.2021-01.01.2023. The patients were divided into two groups: those who received RFA and those who were given steroid injections. Demographic information of the patients, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) score were studied, and both gups were compared. Results: No significant difference was observed when comparing preop VAS and AOFAS values for both groups (p=0.469 p=0.244). No significant difference was observed when comparing the VAS and AOFAS values of the two groups for the first month (p=0.764 p=0.466 respectively). A significant difference was observed when comparing the VAS and AOFAS values in the post-6 month (p=0,001 p=0.001). Significant differences were observed between VAS and AOFAS values in patients receiving RFA in preop and 6 months (p=0.001 p=0.001). No significant difference was observed in preop and 6 month VAS and AOFAS values in steroid injections (p=0.512 p=0.844 respectively).No complications were observed in both groups during the follow-up period. Conclusion: In patients who have received conservative treatment but have not benefited, radiofrequency ablation has been found to be an effective, safe and minimally invasive method of reducing the severity of pain in the short to medium term and improving daily activities.

Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Fixation for Metatarsal Fractures: A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Outcomes.

Metatarsal fractures pose significant challenges in orthopedic practice, necessitating effective treatment methods to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This comprehensive review focuses on intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation as a promising intervention for metatarsal fractures. Beginning with an overview of metatarsal fractures and the imperative for effective treatments, the review delves into intramedullary fixation's definition, historical background, advantages, and disadvantages. Indications for its use in metatarsal fractures are discussed, providing a foundation for understanding its application. The surgical technique section outlines critical aspects, including patient selection criteria and preoperative planning. Before presenting a detailed step-by-step procedure for intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation, anesthesia considerations are explored. Emphasizing precision, fluoroscopic guidance, and meticulous postoperative care, this section provides insights for surgeons and healthcare practitioners. Considerations for rehabilitation follow, addressing postoperative care, expected recovery timelines, and physical therapy recommendations. Early mobilization, weight-bearing guidelines, and a structured rehabilitation program play pivotal roles in recovery. In the conclusion, key findings are summarized, highlighting the efficacy of intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation, its advantages, and recommendations for clinical practice. Additionally, areas for future research are identified, guiding further exploration and refinement of this surgical approach. This review is valuable for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare practitioners involved in metatarsal fracture management, contributing to the evolution of treatment strategies and improving patient care.

Exploring the Morphometric Variations of Knee Menisci: Implications for Meniscal Injury and Surgical Interventions in Orthopedic Practice

Background: The knee menisci are pivotal for knee biomechanics and stability, yet meniscal injuries remain prevalent, necessitating a detailed understanding of meniscal morphology for effective clinical management. This study investigates the morphometric variations of knee menisci and their implications for injury mechanisms and orthopedic interventions. Material & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 30 cadavers with intact knee joints. Morphometric parameters of the medial and lateral menisci were measured using digital calipers. Statistical analysis, including correlation analyses and significance testing, was performed using SPSS version 23 to explore associations between meniscal dimensions and knee morphology. Results: Significant variations in meniscal dimensions were observed, both within individuals and between the medial and lateral menisci. Correlation analyses revealed nuanced relationships between different morphometric parameters. Notably, weak correlations were found between meniscal dimensions and the lengths of adjacent bones, suggesting a complex interplay between meniscal morphology and knee anatomy. For instance, the correlation coefficient between the length of the femur and the outer circumference of the right medial meniscus was 0.215 (p = 0.291), indicating a moderate positive correlation, although not statistically significant. Similarly, the correlation coefficient between the length of the tibia and the inner circumference of the left lateral meniscus was -0.315 (p = 0.091), suggesting a moderate negative correlation, which also did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into knee meniscal morphometry and its clinical implications. The findings emphasize the importance of considering meniscal dimensions in diagnosing and managing meniscal injuries. Despite limitations such as sample size and the use of cadaveric specimens, the results contribute to orthopedic knowledge and highlight the need for further research to validate and expand upon these findings.

Investigating and Practicing Orthopedics at the Intersection of Sex and Gender: Understanding the Physiological Basis, Pathology, and Treatment Response of Orthopedic Conditions by Adopting a Gender Lens: A Narrative Overview.

In the biomedical field, the differentiation between sex and gender is crucial for enhancing the understanding of human health and personalizing medical treatments, particularly within the domain of orthopedics. This distinction, often overlooked or misunderstood, is vital for dissecting and treating musculoskeletal conditions effectively. This review delves into the sex- and gender-specific physiology of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, highlighting how hormonal differences impact the musculoskeletal system's structure and function, and exploring the physiopathology of orthopedic conditions from an epidemiological, molecular, and clinical perspective, shedding light on the discrepancies in disease manifestation across sexes. Examples such as the higher rates of deformities (adolescent idiopathic and adult degenerative scoliosis and hallux valgus) in females and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women illustrate the critical role of sex and gender in orthopedic health. Additionally, the review addresses the morbidity-mortality paradox, where women, despite appearing less healthy on frailty indexes, show lower mortality rates, highlighting the complex interplay between biological and social determinants of health. Injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions such osteoarthritis exhibit gender- and sex-specific prevalence and progression patterns, necessitating a nuanced approach to treatment that considers these differences to optimize outcomes. Moreover, the review underscores the importance of recognizing the unique needs of sexual minority and gender-diverse individuals in orthopedic care, emphasizing the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy on aspects like bone health and perioperative risks. To foster advancements in sex- and gender-specific orthopedics, we advocate for the strategic disaggregation of data by sex and gender and the inclusion of "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity" (SOGI) data in research and clinical practice. Such measures can enrich clinical insights, ensure tailored patient care, and promote inclusivity within orthopedic treatments, ultimately enhancing the precision and effectiveness of care for diverse patient populations. Integrating sex and gender considerations into orthopedic research and practice is paramount for addressing the complex and varied needs of patients. By embracing this comprehensive approach, orthopedic medicine can move towards more personalized, effective, and inclusive treatment strategies, thereby improving patient outcomes and advancing the field.

A one-step polyphenol-based functionalization strategy of dual-enhanced antibacterial and osteogenic surfaces

Infected bone defect is a critical problem in clinical practice of orthopedics. To solve this problem, implants with dual-functional surfaces which possess both antibacterial and osteogenic properties have extensive applications. However, there remains a pressing need to develop a convenient strategy for preparing such surfaces facilely. In this study, we reported a novel one-step polyphenol-based surface functionalization strategy for preparing two fibrous membranes with antibacterial and osteogenic capabilities. The formation of RGD-HHC36 (RH) or RGD-polyhexamethylene guanidine (RP) coating was fabricated by Michael reaction with poly (tannic acid) (PTA) to produce dual-functional fibrous membranes (PLA-RH and PLA-RP, respectively). The surfaces of PLA-RH and PLA-RP exhibited increased roughness and hydrophilicity. In vitro tests revealed that PLA-RH and PLA-RP could eradicate over 99% of clinically common pathogenic bacteria while exhibiting significant improvements in the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Moreover, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that the up-regulation of Chrdl1 played a key role in promoting ossification through activation of the CHRDL1-BMP4 pathway. The favourable in vivo anti-infection and osteogenesis-promoting performances were demonstrated in an infected bone defect model. PLA-RH and PLA-RP inhibited bacterial infection in the early stage, and enhanced osteogenesis in the late stage. This study provides a facile and universal strategy for designing and fabricating dual-functional surfaces for antibacterial application and tissue regeneration simultaneously.

Outcome of Early Retrograde Closed Intramedullary Fixation of Fracture Shaft of Femur by Titanium Elastic Nail in Children

Background: Paediatric femoral shaft fractures are common in orthopaedic practice and can be managed using various modalities, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The Titanium Elastic Nailing System has emerged as a promising treatment option, offering potential advantages over traditional methods. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes and operative complications of paediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with the Titanium Elastic Nailing System. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted from July 2020 to July 2021. Thirty children aged 6-14 years (mean age 11.32 ±3.76) were selected using purposive sampling and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were followed up for at least 24 weeks at four-week intervals, and outcomes were assessed using Flynn's TEN scoring criteria. Results: All 30 patients completed the study. Radiological union was achieved in 80.0% of cases within 7-10 weeks, with 90.0% of patients able to bear full weight by the 12th week. Minor complications occurred in 20.0% of cases, while no major complications were reported. 80.0% of cases had excellent outcomes, 20.0% were satisfactory, and no poor outcomes were observed. Conclusion: The Titanium Elastic Nailing System is an excellent method for treating paediatric femoral shaft fractures, demonstrating high rates of radiological union and functional recovery with a low incidence of complications.

An Effective Program to Reduce Malpractice Claims and Payments in a Large Orthopaedic Practice.

High reliability in health care requires a balance between intentionally designed systems and individual professional accountability. One element of accountability includes a process for addressing clinicians whose practices are associated with a disproportionate share of patient complaints. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Patient Advocacy Reporting System (PARS), a tiered intervention model to reduce patient complaints about clinicians. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving a southeastern U.S. orthopaedic group practice. The study assessed the implementation of the PARS program and subsequent malpractice claims from 2004 to 2020. The implementation of PARS was associated with an 83% reduction in malpractice claims cost per high-risk clinician after intervention (p = 0.05; Wilcoxon rank sum test). The overall practice group experienced an 87% reduction in mean annual claims cost per clinician (p = 0.007; segmented regression). The successful adoption required essential elements such as PARS champions, peer messengers, an Office of Patient Affairs, and a clear statement of practice values and professionalism expectations at the time of onboarding. The PARS program was successfully adopted within a surgical specialty group as a part of ongoing risk prevention and management efforts. The period following PARS was associated with a retrospectively measured reduction in malpractice claim costs. The PARS program can be effectively implemented in a large, single-specialty orthopaedic practice setting and, although not necessarily causal, was, in our case, associated with a period of reduced malpractice claim costs. We have learned in previous research that there are clear links between professionalism and patient outcomes (e.g., surgical complications), but agree that the focus here on medical malpractice is not directly clinical.

Managing an epidemic within a pandemic: orthopedic opioid prescribing trends during COVID-19.

In response to the opioid epidemic, a multitude of policy and clinical-guideline based interventions were launched to combat physician overprescribing. However, the sudden rise of the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of healthcare delivery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how opioid prescribing patterns changed during the Covid-19 pandemic within a large multispecialty orthopedic practice. A retrospective review of 1,048,559 patient encounters from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2022 at a single orthopedic practice was performed. Primary outcomes were the percent of encounters with opioids prescribed and total morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per opioid prescription. Differences in outcomes were assessed by calendar year. Encounters were then divided into two groups: pre-Covid (1/1/2019-2/29/2020) and Covid (3/1/2020-12/31/2022). Univariate analyses were used to evaluate differences in diagnoses and outcomes between periods. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess changes in outcomes during Covid after controlling for differences in diagnoses. Statistical significance was assessed at p < 0.05. The percentage of encounters with opioids prescribed decreased from a high of 4.0% in 2015 to a low of 1.6% in 2021 and 2022 (p < 0.001). MMEs per prescription decreased from 283.6 ± 213.2 in 2015 to a low of 138.6 ± 100.4 in 2019 (p < 0.001). After adjusting for diagnoses, no significant differences in either opioid prescribing rates (post-COVID OR = 0.997, p = 0.893) or MMEs (post-COVID β = 2.726, p = 0.206) were observed between the pre- and post-COVID periods. During the Covid-19 pandemic opioid prescribing levels remained below historical averages. While continued efforts are needed to minimize opioid overprescribing, it appears that the significant progress made toward this goal was not lost during the pandemic era.

Pathogenic Gene Variants Identified in Patients Presenting With Perthes or Perthes-like Hip Disorder.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a diagnosis of exclusion. Various conditions, such as skeletal dysplasias, can closely mimic LCPD and these must be ruled out to provide appropriate treatment, prognosis, and counseling. Traditionally, genetic testing has not been readily available in pediatric orthopaedic practice. Furthermore, the clinical value of genetic testing patients with LCPD is unclear. With the advance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, genetic testing has become clinically available as a lab test. The purposes of this study were to assess the clinical utility of genetic testing in select patients with LCPD and to determine the patient characteristics of those who tested positive for skeletal dysplasia. This is an IRB-approved, retrospective study of 63 consecutive patients who presented with Perthes-like symptoms and/or x-ray findings and who had genetic testing. The reason(s) for genetic testing included bilateral hip disease, family history of LCPD, short stature, suspected skeletal dysplasia, atypical radiographic findings, and/or combinations of these reasons. Of the 63 patients, 19 patients (30%) were found to have a pathogenic gene variant. In 8 of the 19, a variety of skeletal dysplasia was diagnosed. The remaining 11 patients were found to be carriers of autosomal recessive disorders. All 19 patients were referred for genetic counseling. Of the 8 patients found to have skeletal dysplasia, 3 had bilateral disease, 3 were <10 percentile in height, 1 had a family history of "LCPD," and 3 had atypical x-ray findings. In addition to the pathogenic variants, numerous genetic variants of unknown significance were found with 2 gene variants showing exactly the same variant found in 2 unrelated patients. With 30% of the patients showing pathogenic results, genetic testing of select patients with Perthes-like disease is valuable in detecting an underlying genetic disorder or a carrier status of a genetic disorder.

Validation and evaluation of the Russian version of the SEFAS questionnaire for assessing foot and ankle in surgically treated patients with forefoot disorders

Introduction The Self-reported Foot and Ankle Score (SEFAS) is one of the foot health assessment tools in Sweden. Validation procedures, reliability, validity, sensitivity, approval are essential for the Russian version of the questionnaire with a new language environment.The objective was to validate the Russian version of the SEFAS questionnaire and approve the tool in the Russian surgical patients with foot disorders.Material and methods The questionnaires the patients completed preoperatively included SEFAS, SF‑36, a general health survey questionnaire, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Patients were requested to complete the SEFAS questionnaire at 2 months of surgery to assess the sensitivity of the instrument. Based on the case histories clinical researcher recorded general and physical parameters of the patients to include gender, age, socio-demographic data, nature of the foot disorder, a dorsiflexion angle of the first metatarsophalangeal joint. To assess the reproducibility of the Russian version of the questionnaire, some patients were requested to complete the SEFAS questionnaire twice preoperatively with an interval of one day.Results The questionnaire was characterized by good internal consistency and reproducibility indicating acceptable reliability of the Russian version of SEFAS. Statistically significant correlations of varying strength were seen between the SF-36 scores and nearly all the selected questions of the SEFAS Russian version. Statistically significant correlations (moderate to weak) were observed between the LEFS total score and the selected SEFAS questions. Minimal clinically significant changes in MCID scored 3 in the assessment of clinical interpretability of the Russian version of SEFAS.Discussion The study demonstrated the reliability, validity and sensitivity of the Russian version of the SEFAS questionnaire. The questionnaire appeared to be an informative and clinically interpretable instrument for assessing foot in surgical adult patients with foot disorders.Conclusion The SEFAS questionnaire can be recommended for Russian trauma and orthopaedic practice to learn the patient's opinion of the condition.

Applications of Natural Language Processing for Automated Clinical Data Analysis in Orthopaedics.

Natural language processing is an exciting and emerging field in health care that can transform the field of orthopaedics. It can aid in the process of automated clinical data analysis, changing the way we extract data for various purposes including research and registry formation, diagnosis, and medical billing. This scoping review will look at the various applications of NLP in orthopaedics. Specific examples of NLP applications include identification of essential data elements from surgical and imaging reports, patient feedback analysis, and use of AI conversational agents for patient engagement. We will demonstrate how NLP has proven itself to be a powerful and valuable tool. Despite these potential advantages, there are drawbacks we must consider. Concerns with data quality, bias, privacy, and accessibility may stand as barriers in the way of widespread implementation of NLP technology. As natural language processing technology continues to develop, it has the potential to revolutionize orthopaedic research and clinical practices and enhance patient outcomes.

Postoperative Recovery and Rehabilitation: A Comparative Analysis of Mobility and Social Dependency After Gamma Nail Vs. Proximal Femoral Nail Surgery

Background: The management of stable extracapsular fractures of the proximal femur challenges orthopedic practice, with postoperative recovery and rehabilitation outcomes being crucial for patient independence and quality of life. This study compares Gamma Nail and Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) regarding mobility and social dependency post-surgery.&#x0D; Methods: Fifty patients were retrospectively analyzed, divided into two groups based on the surgical intervention received. Mobility scores, social dependency scales, and pain levels were assessed at various postoperative intervals.&#x0D; Results: The PFN group showed quicker improvements in mobility and reductions in social dependency, with notably less pain reported in the early postoperative period. Both interventions were effective, but PFN presented some advantages in facilitating rehabilitation.&#x0D; Conclusion: While both Gamma Nail and PFN effectively manage stable extracapsular fractures, PFN may offer benefits in early postoperative recovery. Tailoring surgical choices to individual patient needs is essential for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes.&#x0D; Keywords: Proximal femur fractures, Gamma Nail, Proximal Femoral Nail, postoperative recovery, mobility, social dependency.

Periprosthetic fractures are osteoporotic fractures: missed opportunities for osteoporosis diagnosis.

Periprosthetic fractures (PPFx) cause morbidity, mortality, and cost. This study's purpose was to describe osteoporosis-related data available at the time of PPFx. The electronic medical record (EMR) of PPFx patients seen over 4years in a university orthopedic practice were reviewed. Demographic data and osteoporosis relevant parameters were collected. Prior DXA studies were reviewed, and L1 Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements were performed on CT scans obtained within 2years before PPFx. Clinical osteoporosis was defined as prior diagnosis, prescribed osteoporosis treatment, T-score ≤ - 2.5, HU ≤ 100, or prior fracture. Records of 156 PPFx patients (115 F/41M), mean (SD) age 75.4 (11.9), were reviewed. Almost all 153/156 (98%) of these fractures were femoral. Falls caused 139 (89%); 12 (8%) were spontaneous. Mean time post-arthroplasty was 7.9 (6.3) years. Prior fragility fracture(s) occurred in 72 (46%); 14 were PPFx. Osteoporosis was previously diagnosed in 45 (29%) and medications prescribed in 41 (26%). Prior to PPFx, DXA data were available in 62, mean (SD) lowest T-score was - 1.9 (0.9) and was ≤ - 2.5 in 19. CT data were available in 46; mean (SD) L1 HU was 79.0 (29.4) and was ≤ 100 in 35. Based on existing data, clinical osteoporosis could have been diagnosed in 104 (67%) at the time of PPFx. Periprosthetic fractures are osteoporosis-related. They occur in older adults, often female, and result from falls; BMD, when assessed, is low. Data available at the time of PPFx often allows osteoporosis diagnosis; this should prompt evaluation and pharmacologic treatment consideration.

Flexor hallucis longus tendon transfer for Tendo Achillis reconstruction

Background: Tendo Achilles injuries are common in orthopaedic practice. Degenerative, Chronic and failed repaires requires some form of soft tissue sleeve augmentation like Flexor Hallucis longs (FHL), Peroneus Brevis (PB), Plantaris etc.. are used along with proximal Tendo Achilles advancement procedures lie V-Y plasty, musculo tendinous Recession or Turn Down Procedures. These advancement procedure leads to weakening of already compromised Tendon. So, wanted to evaluate functional outcome of FHL tendon Trans Tendinous Transfer without any Advancement procedures. Methods: 20 patients satisfying inclusion criteria underwent FHL Trans tendinous Transfer to Tendo Achilles which is secured with Interference screw into the prepared bone bed of calcaneum. Initially anterior slab in planter flexion was applied later converted to cast in neutral position which is removed at the end of 6 weeks and joint mobilization started. Results: Out of 20 patients,11 were male patients and 9 were females. Average age ranged from 22 to 65 years. 9 were chronic Tears,9 were Degenerative Tears and 2 were failed Repairs. Wound healing complications were seen in 4 cases, 1 with chronic tear, 1 with Degenerative Tear and Both Filed repairs, all of them healed eventually. ALL patients were assessed for AOFAS at 6th and 12thmonth. The mean AOFAS of each subgroup improved significantly from months 3 to 12 (Table). At the one-year follow-up, all patients achieved good functional outcome in terms of the AOFAS scoring system. Conclusions: Tendo Achilles is the common tendon injured in ankle region due to repetitive stress and degeneration. Degenerative, Chronic and failed repair injuries of Tendo Achilles requires some form of soft tissue augmentation for healing. Trans-Tendinous FHL tendon transfer for Tendo Achilles Reconstruction shows good results with minimal complications in these scenarios in non-Athletic Population.

A Case of Baker’s Cyst with Synovial Chondromatosis of Knee

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign condition which arises from synovial membrane or bursae around the joints. Joint abnormalities in the form of arthritic or mechanical conditions such as detachment of osseocartilaginous fragments from the articular surface are its secondary associations. Rarely there maybe involvement of the Baker’s cyst. Here we report a case in which a 60-year-old female came with complaints of pain, swelling and restriction of movement of right knee joint for the past one year. After careful clinical and radiological examination, it was diagnosed as Baker’s cyst complicated by synovial chondromatosis. After the diagnosis the patient underwent the following procedures: open synovectomy, cyst removal and thorough joint debridement. Synovial chondromatosis was confirmed histopathologically. Secondary synovial chondromatosis has features of osteoarthritic changes, lack of extensive synovial proliferation and complicated Baker's cyst which is not seen in primary synovial chondromatosis.&#x0D; Synovial chondromatosis (SC) is caused by metaplasia of the synovium into chondrocytes and is a rare benign disorder.[1,2] Primary synovial chondromatosis (PSC) is a self-limited process that occurs in an otherwise normal joint.[3] When synovial chondromatosis develops in a joint previously affected with disease, often posttraumatic or degenerative osteoarthritis, it is called as secondary synovial chondromatosis.[4] SC may involve any joint, but the most common joint involved is knee joint followed by hip joint, and small joints of the hand and wrist. Least involvement is seen in elbow and shoulder joint. [5] The disease is categorised into three phases according to Milligram classification: active intrasynovial disease without any loose bodies observed in the early phase, active disease and loose bodies observed in the transitional phase, and multiple loose bodies without any intrasynovial disease observed in the late phase.&#x0D; In orthopaedic practice, popliteal cysts are common occurrence; many of them are associated with degenerative or rheumatoid arthritis. The differential diagnoses become more complex when loose bodies and calcifications are noted within the joint on a radiograph. Here in, we are presenting a case of Baker’s cyst with synovial chondromatosis of knee treated by surgical excision and confirmed by histopathology.

What to Know about Antimicrobial Coatings in Arthroplasty: A Narrative Review.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are one of the most worrying complications orthopedic surgeons could face; thus, methods to prevent them are evolving. Apart from systemic antibiotics, targeted strategies such as local antimicrobial coatings applied to prosthetics have been introduced. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the main antimicrobial coatings available in arthroplasty orthopedic surgery practice. The search was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases, focusing on antimicrobial-coated devices used in clinical practice in the arthroplasty world. While silver technology has been widely adopted in the prosthetic oncological field with favorable outcomes, recently, silver associated with hydroxyapatite for cementless fixation, antibiotic-loaded hydrogel coatings, and iodine coatings have all been employed with promising protective results against PJIs. However, challenges persist, with each material having strengths and weaknesses under investigation. Therefore, this narrative review emphasizes that further clinical studies are needed to understand whether antimicrobial coatings can truly revolutionize the field of PJIs.

Magnetic resonance imaging combined with histological evaluation of repair process using the microfracture technique in an association of osteocartilaginous and meniscal surgically induced lesions of the knee. In vivo experiment on a rabbit model.

The present research study aimed to assess magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes and histological findings in the therapeutic effects of microfractures in the treatment of complex animal knee lesions resulting from osteochondral and meniscal defects resulting from non-total meniscectomies. The anterior cruciate ligament lesions are also proven to facilitate the development of osteoarthritis in the knee and worsen the prognosis. Surgery was performed on the right knee joint of 22 male rabbits in order to partially remove the anterior horn of the internal meniscus and to induce an osteochondral defect at the level of the internal femoral condyle. The induced lesion complex was aimed to simulate a clinical situation that occurs frequently in orthopedic practice when young adults undergo partial meniscectomy and at the time of surgery, an osteochondral defect is diagnosed. Rabbits were separated into two study groups: the control (C1) group and the microfractures (MF2) group. After the induced cartilage defect and partial meniscectomy, both groups were followed-up for six months using detailed MRI. Also, anatomical specimens were histologically analyzed to show modifications and signs of healing process, along with complications, in the study group. The results showed that the microfracture group had better results concerning articular surface defect healing in comparison to the control group. Our results suggest that microfractures do improve results concerning surface contact healing and serial MRI studies can be useful in observing the remodeling process in dynamics.

Use of Nerve Wraps in the Upper Extremity

Objectives Nerve wraps have been used to potentially decrease perineural scarring and to create a local environment conducive to nerve healing, but no consensus exists on the indications for their use. The primary purpose of this study is to assess the operative indications for using the porcine extracellular matrix (PEM) nerve wrap in the upper extremities at a single center. Methods A retrospective review of all patients that underwent PEM nerve wrapping over eight years by hand and upper extremity surgeons at a single orthopaedic practice yielded 104 procedures in 102 patients for analysis. Results The most common indication for surgery was for nerve wrapping of acute traumatic nerve injuries in 57 patients (55%), most frequently involving lacerations of the hand and forearm. Neurolysis and nerve wrapping for cases of chronic nerve compression with perineural scarring and fibrosis was the second most common indication, involving 41 patients (39%), most frequently for revision carpal and cubital tunnel release surgery. Six patients (5.8%) underwent mass removal or contracture release involving neurolysis with nerve wrapping. Three patients (2.9%) required reoperation, two in the acute group and one in the chronic group. However, there were no cases of nerve wrap rejection or extrusion. Conclusion PEM nerve wrapping was used for various nerve injuries, from acute lacerations to recalcitrant chronic compression and mass excision. Further studies are necessary to determine whether patient outcomes are improved with the PEM nerve wrap. Level of Evidence Level 4