High formability Mg-Zn-Gd wire facilitates ACL reconstruction via its swift degradation to accelerate intra-tunnel endochondral ossification

After reconstructing the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL),unsatisfactory bone tendon interface healing may often induce tunnel enlargement at the early healing stage.With good biological features and high formability,Magnesium-Zinc-Gadolinium(ZG21)wires are developed to bunch the tendon graft for matching the bone tunnel during transplantation.Microstructure,tensile strength,degradation,and cytotoxicity of ZG21 wire are evaluated.The rabbit model is used for assessing the biological effects of ZG21 wire by Micro-CT,histology,and mechanical test.The SEM/EDS,immunochemistry,and in vitro assessments are performed to investigate the underlying mechanism.Material tests demonstrate the high formability of ZG21 wire as surgical suture.Micro-CT shows ZG21 wire degradation accelerates tunnel bone formation,and histologically with earlier and more fibrocartilage regeneration at the healing interface.The mechanical test shows higher ultimate load in the ZG21 group.The SEM/EDS presents ZG21 wire degradation triggered calcium phosphate(Ca-P)deposition.IHC results demonstrate upregulation of Wnt3a,BMP2,and VEGF at the early phase and TGFβ3 and Type II collagen at the late phase of healing.In vitro tests also confirmed the Ca-P in the metal extract could elevate the expression of Wnt3a,βcatenin,ocn and opn to stimulate osteogenesis.Ex vivo tests of clinical samples indicated suturing with ZG21 wire did not weaken the ultimate loading of human tendon tissue.In conclusion,the ZG21 wire is feasible for tendon graft bunching.Its degradation products accelerated intra-tunnel endochondral ossification at the early healing stage and therefore enhanced bone-tendon interface healing in ACL reconstruction.

Subclavian vessels injury:An underestimated complication of clavicular fractures

Clavicle fractures are frequent orthopedic injuries,often resulting from direct trauma or a fall.Most clavicle fractures are treated conservatively without any complications or adverse effects.Concomitant injuries of the subclavian vein or artery are rarely encountered and most commonly associated with high-energy trauma or comminuted clavicle fractures.They are potentially life-threatening conditions leading to hemorrhage,hematoma,pseudoaneurysm or upper limb ischemia.However,the clinical presentation might be obscure and easily missed,particularly in closed and minimally displaced clavicular fractures,and timely diagnosis relies on early clinical suspicion.Currently,computed tomography angiography has largely replaced conventional angiography for the assessment of subclavian vessel patency,as it demonstrates high accuracy and temporal resolution,acute turnaround time,and capability of multiplanar reconstruction.Depending on the hemodynamic stability of the patient and the severity of the injury,subclavian vessel lesions can be treated conservatively with observation and serial evaluation or operatively.Interventional vascular techniques should be considered in patients with serious hemorrhage and limb ischemia,followed by stabilization of the displaced clavicle fracture.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the incidence,clinical presentation,diagnostic approaches,and current management strategies of clavicle fractures associated with subclavian vessel injuries.

Pulmonary embolism after shoulder surgery:Is it a real threat?

Pulmonary embolism(PE)is a rare but devastating complication of shoulder surgery.Apart from increased morbidity and mortality rates,it may significantly impair postoperative recovery and functional outcome.Its frequency accounts for up to 5.7%of all shoulder surgery procedures with a higher occurrence in women and patients older than 70 years.It is most commonly associated with thrombophilia,diabetes mellitus,obesity,smoking,hypertension,and a history of malignancy.PE usually occurs secondary to upper or lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT).However,in rare cases,the source of the thrombi cannot be determined.Prophylaxis for PE following shoulder surgery remains a topic of debate,and the standard of care does not routinely require prophylactic medication for DVT prophylaxis.Early ambulation and elastic stockings are important preventative measures for DVT of the lower extremity and medical agents such as aspirin,low-molecular-weight heparin,and vitamin K antagonists are indicated for high-risk patients,long-lasting operations,or concomitant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.The most common symptoms of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath,but PE can also be asymptomatic in patients with intrinsic tolerance of hypoxia.Patients with DVT may also present with swelling and pain of the respective extremity.The treatment of PE includes inpatient or outpatient anticoagulant therapy if the patient is hemodynamically unstable or stable,respectively.Hemodynamic instability may require transfer to the intensive care unit,and cardiovascular arrest can be implicated in fatal events.An important issue for patients with PE in the postoperative period after shoulder surgery is residual stiffness due to a delay in rehabilitation and a prolonged hospital stay.Early physiotherapy and range-of-motion exercises do not adversely affect the prognosis of PE and are highly recommended to preserve shoulder mobility and function.

The HOXC10/NOD1/ERK axis drives osteolytic bone metastasis of pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer

While KRAS mutation is the leading cause of low survival rates in lung cancer bone metastasis patients,effective treatments are still lacking.Here,we identified homeobox C10(HOXC10)as a lynchpin in pan-KRAS-mutant lung cancer bone metastasis.

Retraction note to four articles published in World Journal of Orthopaedics

Retraction Note to four articles published in World Journal of Orthopaedics:(1)Iwamoto J,Sato Y,Takeda T,Matsumoto H.Return to sports activity by athletes after treatment of spondylolysis.World J Orthop 2010;1(1):26-30 PMID:22474624 DOI:10.5312/wjo.v1.i1.26;(2)Iwamoto J,Sato Y,Takeda T,Matsumoto H.Effectiveness of exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee:A review of the literature.World J Orthop 2011;2(5):37-42 PMID:22474634 DOI:10.5312/wjo.v2.i5.37;(3)Iwamoto J,Sato Y,Takeda T,Matsumoto H.Analysis of stress fractures in athletes based on our clinical experience.World J Orthop 2011;2(1):7-12 PMID:22474626 DOI:10.5312/wjo.v2.i1.7;and(4)Iwamoto J,Takada T,Sato Y,Matsumoto H.Effect of risedronate on speed of sound in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.World J Orthop 2013;4(4):316-322 PMID:24147269 DOI:10.5312/wjo.v4.i4.316.These articles[1-4]have been retracted at the request of the Editors-in-Chief as misconduct over authorship of the paper was detected and confirmed.

Rationalising animal research synthesis in orthopaedic literature

Systematic reviews in orthopaedic literature are frequently criticised for offering inconsistent conclusions.On top of that,high-quality randomized human evidence on crucial orthopaedic topics is more often than not lacking.In this situation,pooling animal literature could offer an excellent insight into unanswered critical clinical questions,thus potentially improving healthcare.In this paper,we sought to present the rationale and basic principles governing meta-analysis of animal research.More specifically,we elaborated on the available evidence-based methods to achieve a scientifically sound animal data synthesis.In addition,we discussed result interpretation,strength of recommendations and clinical implications based on the results of these meta-analytic modalities.

A New Technique to Remove Accurately Osteoid Osteomas Using Gamma Probe

Study design: Description of a technique through a case-series. Objective: To promote a technique by using a gamma probe that asses intraoperatively the adequacy of the lesion curettage through a minimal invasive procedure. Methods: Reviewing the technique steps through 4 cases of osteoid osteoma surgical removal. Results: Four patients diagnosed with osteoid osteoma and moved to surgical removal. During the operation, excision of the tumour was assessed by a gamma probe, avoiding leaving residual lesion in the field. Operating time was not prolonged, so as the cost of the operation was not increased. Conclusions: Surgical excision of osteoid osteoma in spine region is still the gold standard method. Avoiding recurrence of the lesion is important. The use of gamma probe is an effective and economic solution.

Surgical Management of Unstable Superior Femoral Epiphysiolysis with Great Displacement

Introduction: Superior femoral epiphysiolysis (SFE) is a most progressive but sometimes abrupt displacement of the femoral head relative to the superior femoral metaphysis through the cervicocerebral growth plate of the femur. The displacement of the femoral head is most often downward and backward. It is a typical pathology of the pubescent adolescent, most often overweight. It occurs on average at the age of 12 years in girls and 14 years in boys. Unstable forms with large displacements have a high risk of femoral head necrosis and chondrolysis. Although in situ fixation is the generally accepted treatment for minor SFE, the treatment of more severe cases remains controversial. When the extent of the displacement makes it impossible to pass a screw between the femoral neck and the femoral head, the only option is to reduce the displacement. This reduction must be gentle, progressive and limited to the minimum necessary for osteosynthesis. Objective: The aim of the work was to evaluate the results of the technique of progressive reduction of epiphyseal displacement by transtibial traction followed by percutaneous fixation of the femoral head by screw. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study over a 10-years period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022. It focused on the surgical treatment of unstable upper femoral epiphysiolysis with large displacement in the orthopaedic trauma department of the University Hospital of Kati. All patients operated on in our department for large displacement SFE were included in this study. Cases of secondary large displacement upper femoral epiphysiolysis and patients who had already undergone surgery on the proximal femur were excluded. Continuous progressive traction on the Boppe splint through a pin under the anterior tibial tuberosity was performed for 15 days in all patients. The hip was flexed to 45° and the knee to 35°. Fixation was performed with one or two screws. No contralateral preventive fixation was performed. Minimum follow-up was one year. Functional outcome was assessed by the Postel Merle d’Aubigné score. Anatomical outcome was assessed by the quality of reduction, the occurrence or non-occurrence of femoral head necrosis, and chondrolysis. Results: We identified nine patients with a mean age of 12.8 years and extremes of 9 and 17 years. There were three boys and six girls. Trauma was mentioned in four cases. The cause was idiopathic in five cases. Functional impotence was complete in all patients. The slippage was acute on a chronic background in all patients. The left side was affected in 7 cases and the right side in 2 cases. The patients were overweight in 7 cases. The patient’s weight was within the normal range in two cases. At final follow-up, all nine patients were asymptomatic. Anatomically, all nine patients had a femoral head free of avascular necrosis. In eight patients, the posterior tilt was absent, identical to that obtained after the traction period. Only one patient had a moderate posterior tilt with a neck uncovering of less than 25%. Functionally, the PMA score was very good in eight cases and good in one case. Conclusion: This study shows that the treatment of acute and unstable forms of upper femoral epiphysiolysis by progressive reduction with transtibial traction can lead to satisfactory results. Reduction in large displacement forms should be gentle, progressive and limited to the minimum necessary for osteosynthesis. Magnetic resonance imaging examination is an essential and indispensable prognostic element. Indications for preventive fixation should be selectively reserved for specific cases.

Double Arthrodesis, Postero-Medial Release and Posterior Tibial Transfer in One Step in Paralytic Inveterate Equine Varus Foot

Introduction: Varus equine foot deformity is common in developing countries. The management of these deformities is surgical in adults. Several surgical techniques have been described with more or less satisfactory results. To our knowledge, no study has been performed on the simultaneous association of double arthrodesis, posteromedial release, and posterior tibial transfer in a single operation in inveterate paralytic varus equines feet. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the results obtained. Patients and Method: This was a retrospective descriptive study from January 01, 2018 to December 31, 2021. It concerned inveterate paralytic varus equines feet operated on by the simultaneous association in a single operative time of double arthrodesis of the foot, posteromedial release of the back foot and transfer of the posterior tibial muscle to the lateral cuneiform. We identified seven patients with a mean age of 22.1 years with extremes of 11 years and 36 years. There were three males and four females. The cause of the deformity was neurological in all cases. All patients had painful walking discomfort and shoeing difficulties. The average time to management was 13.3 years with extremes of 4 and 25 years. The chronology of the interventional steps was posteromedial release, arthrodesis, and transfer of the posterior tibial muscle to the lateral cuneiform. The average postoperative follow-up was 21.7 months with extremes of 6 and 48 months. The parameters studied were the duration of the procedure, complications related to the procedure, muscle strength at the last recoil, consolidation of the arthrodesis, residual pain, patient activity, gait perimeter, stepping, ankle mobility, residual deformity, footwear, protrusion of the transferred tendon, and the possibility of walking on the heel. Final results were graded according to the Angus and Cowell criteria. Results: No intraoperative complications were noted. An early superficial infection of the surgical site was noted. It was treated with local care and healed without sequel. Residual pain was present in one case. Tibiotalar osteoarthritis was observed in one case, which required a tibiotalar arthrodesis. At the last follow-up, consolidation of the arthrodesis was effective in all patients. The posterior tibial muscle was side 5 (n = 4) and 4 (n = 3). The patients’ activity was normal without assistance in all cases. The walking perimeter was greater than 1 km in six patients. Patient activity was normal without assistance in all cases. Stepping was absent in all patients. No difficulty with footwear was noted. According to the Angus and Cowell criteria, the result was good (n = 6), i.e. 85.7% and bad (n = 1), i.e. 14.3% of cases. Conclusion: This study suggests that double arthrodesis associated with posteromedial release and transfer of the posterior tibial in one step in inveterate paralytic varus equines feet, gives satisfactory results. It allows for easy shoeing and plantigrade walking without stepping. Complications are essentially represented by the absence of fusion of the arthrodesis and tibiotalar arthrosis.

Locked Posterior Shoulder Dislocation with Impression Fracture Treated All Arthroscopically with the Use of an Allograft Bone Block: A Case Report

Background: Locked posterior shoulder dislocations are uncommon and possess many difficulties in diagnosis. They are often overlooked during the initial examination and delayed diagnosis adversely affects healing process. Apart from many open treatment options, there are reports of single attempts to treat such cases arthroscopically. Purpose: We present an original case of a posterior locked dislocation of the shoulder joint with a fracture of the lesser tuberosity followed by reverse Hill-Sachs fracture, treated in a novel fashion all-arthroscopically with the use of allogenic bone graft. Method: According to Constant Shoulder Score that tries to assess functional and subjective performance of the shoulder joint before the operation and after 12 months, we achieved a leap from 11 to 84. Results: The patient restored almost full range of motion and painless movement in activities of daily life as well as during sports. Conclusion: The use of an arthroscope reduces the invasiveness of the procedure, improves visualization of the joint and allows augmentation of the bone loss without performing an open approach. We believe that this is a promising method of treatment for selected cases of locked posterior shoulder dislocation.

Recent Traumatic Dislocations of the Shoulder in Adults: Epidemiological, Therapeutic and Evolutionary Aspects

Introduction: Shoulder dislocations represent about 50% of all joint dislocations. The objective was to describe the epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of traumatic shoulder dislocations in Bouaké. Methods: This retrospective and descriptive study was conducted between January 2017 and December 2019. It concerned patients over 15 years of age with a recent traumatic shoulder dislocation treated and followed in the department. The variables studied were epidemiological, therapeutic and evolutionary. The severity of the trauma was assessed according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS). Functional outcome was assessed according to the Constant score. Results: There were 49 patients (49 dislocations) out of 22,569 patients. The prevalence was 0.2%. The mean age was 32 years (17 - 62). There were 38 men (77.5%). The sex ratio was 3.4. Students predominated (n = 10;20.4%). The etiology was dominated by road traffic accidents (n = 19;38.8%). Anterior dislocation was the most common (n = 45;92%). The ISS score was minor (n = 46;93.8%). The mean time to reduction was 7 hours (4 - 16). Orthopaedic reduction using the Kocher technique predominated (n = 44;89.8%). The mean duration of external rotation immobilisation of the shoulder was 23 days (16 - 45). Recurrence occurred in 8 patients (21.6%). The functional outcome at a mean Constant follow-up of 15 months (8 - 20) was satisfactory (n = 44;89.8%). Conclusion: Traumatic dislocation of the shoulder represented 0.2%. Treatment was mainly orthopaedic. Recurrence was rare.

异时连体共生对小鼠椎旁肌肉衰老退变的影响

目的 :通过异时连体共生(heterochronic parabiosis,HP)模型检测年轻小鼠血液循环环境对年老小鼠脊柱椎旁肌肉的影响。方法:选择4月龄的年轻小鼠及18月龄年老雌性小鼠,通过手术建立年轻和年老小鼠同时(isochronic parabiosis,IP)、异时连体共生模型。连体8周后将小鼠分成同时连体年轻小鼠组(youngisochronic,YI),异时连体年轻小鼠组(young heterochronic,YH);同时连体年老小鼠(old isochronic,OI)和异时连体年老小鼠组(old heterochronic,OH)4组,解剖并提取椎旁肌肉。通过流式细胞仪吸光度检测各组椎旁肌肉糖胺聚糖(glycosaminoglycans,GAG)及各组DNA的含量,提取肌肉组织蛋白行蛋白印痕(Western blot)检测衰老基因P53、P21、P16及自噬基因LC3、金属蛋白酶MMP13基因的表达。取脊柱椎旁肌肉组织进行组织免疫荧光(immunofluorescence,IF)检测Aggrecan、P16及炎症因子IL8的表达差异性。结果:GAG定量分析显示YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为2.91±0.17、2.01±0.21、2.23±0.36、1.18±0.09,其中YI与YH、OH与OI组之间有统计学差异(P<0.05);通过IF检测Aggrecan表达呈下降趋势,YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为717.25±64.44、611.59±28.45、683.04±17.95、570.34±31.81,其中OH与OI组间有统计学差异(P<0.05),YI与YH组间无统计学意义(P>0.05);LI8基因表达YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为494.20±28.35、561.62±44.72、602.35±45.57、726.36±58.40;P16基因表达YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为701.30±27.21、695.92±31.06、754.82±25.78、815.54±24.70,有上升趋势但YI与YH、OH与OI组间无明显差异(P>0.05)。Western blot检测自噬基因LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ蛋白表达呈下降趋势YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为0.39±0.09、0.29±0.05、0.26±0.04、0.16±0.01;衰老基因P21蛋白表达YI、YH、OH、OI各组分别为1.09±0.23、1.32±0.12、1.54±0.03、1.86±0.06;金属蛋白酶MMP13蛋白表达YI、YH、OH、OI组分别为0.59±0.11、0.68±0.13、0.88±0.15、1.11±0.18。在LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ、P21、MMP13表达中,YI与YH组间无明显差异性(P>0.05),OH与OI组间有统计学差异(P<0.05)。结论:全身血液循环可以影响椎旁肌肉退变,年轻血液环境可以延缓年老小鼠脊柱椎旁肌肉衰老退变。

Current surgical strategies for total arthroplasty in valgus knee

The majority of orthopaedic surgeons even currentlyagree that primary total arthroplasty in valgus knees with a deformity of more than ten degrees may prove challenging. The unique sets of bone and soft tissue abnormalities that must be addressed at the time of the operation make accurate axis restoration, component orientation and joint stability attainment a difficult task. Understanding the specific pathologic anatomic changes associated with the valgus knee is a prerequisite so as to select the proper surgical method, to optimize component position and restore soft-tissue balance. The purpose of this article is to review the valgus knee anatomical variations, to assess the best pre-operative planning and to evaluate how to choose the grade of constraint of the implant. It will also be underlying the up-to-date main approaches and surgical techniques be proposed in the English literature both for bone cuts and soft tissue management of valgus knees.

Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: A prospective randomised controlled trial

AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.

Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy using Transforaminal Endoscopic Spine System technique: Pitfalls that a beginner should avoid

Transforaminal Percutaneous Endoscopic Discectomy(TPED) is a minimally invasive technique mainly used for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation from a lateral approach. Performed under local anesthesia, TPED has been proven to be a safe and effective technique which has been also associated with shorter rehabilitation period, reduced blood loss, trauma, and scar tissue compared to conventional procedures. However, the procedure should be performed by a spine surgeon experienced in the specific technique and capable of recognizing or avoiding various challenging conditions. In this review, pitfalls that a novice surgeon has to be mindful of, are reported and analyzed.

Vanishing bone disease(Gorham-Stout syndrome): A review of a rare entity

Vanishing bone disease(Gorham-Stout syndrome) is a rare entity of unknown etiology, characterized by de struction of osseous matrix and proliferation of vascula structures, resulting in destruction and absorption o bone. Despite the extensive investigation of the patho genetic mechanisms of the disease, its etiology hasn'been clarified and several theories exist. The syndrome can affect one or multiple bones of the patient, includ ing the skull, the upper and lower extremities, the spine and pelvis. The clinical presentation of a patient suffer ing from vanishing bone disease includes, pain, func tional impairment and swelling of the affected region although asymptomatic cases have been reported, as well as cases in which the diagnosis was made after a pathologic fracture. In this short review we summarize the theories regarding the etiology as well as the clini cal presentation, the diagnostic approach and treat ment options of this rare disease.

Comparative clinical study of ultrasound-guided A1 pulley release vs open surgical intervention in the treatment of trigger finger

AIM To investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided release of the first annular pulley and compare results with the conventional open operative technique.METHODS In this prospective randomized, single-center, clinical study, 32 patients with trigger finger or trigger thumb, grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ according to Green classification system, were recruited. Two groups were formed; Group A(16 patients) was treated with an ultrasound-guided percutaneous release of the affected A1 pulley under local anesthesia. Group B(16 patients) underwent an open surgical release of the A1 pul ey, through a 10-15 mm incision. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively(follow-up:2,4 and 12 wk) by physicians blinded to the procedures. Treatment of triggering(primary variable of interest) was expressed as the "success rate" per digit. The time for taking postoperative pain killers, range of motion recovery, QuickD ASH test scores(Greek version), return to normal activities(including work), complications and cosmetic results were assessed.RESULTS The success rate in group A was 93.75%(15/16) and in group B 100%(16/16). Mean times in group A patients were 3.5 d for taking pain killers, 4.1 d for returning to normal activities, and 7.2 and 3.9 d for complete extension and flexion recovery, respectively. Mean Quick DASH scores in group A were 45.5 preoperatively and, 7.5, 0.5 and 0 after 2, 4, and 12 wk postoperatively. Mean times in group B patients were 2.9 d for taking pain killers, 17.8 d for returning to normal activities, and 5.6 and 3 d for complete extension and flexion recovery. Mean QuickD ASH scores in group B were 43.2 preoperatively and, 8.2, 1.3 and 0 after 2, 4, and 12 wk postoperatively. The cosmetic results found excellent or good in 87.5%(14/16) of group A patients, while in 56.25%(9/16) of group B patients were evaluated as fair or poor.CONCLUSION Treatment of the trigger finger using ultrasonography resulted in fewer absence of work days, and better cosmetic results, in comparison with the open surgery technique. It is a promising method that represents excellent results without major complications, so that it could be possibly be established as a first-line treatment in the trigger finger's disease.

Return to sport following tibial plateau fractures: A systematic review

AIM To systemically review all studies reporting return to sport following tibial plateau fracture, in order to provide information on return rates and times to sport, and to assess variations in sporting outcome for different treatment methods.METHODS A systematic search of CINAHAL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PEDro, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science was performed in January 2017 using the keywords "tibial", "plateau", "fractures", "knee", "athletes", "sports", "non-operative", "conservative", "operative", "return to sport". All studies which recorded return rates and times to sport following tibial plateau fractures were included. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were included: 1 was a randomised controlled trial, 7 were prospective cohort studies, 16 were retrospective cohort studies, 3 were case series. One study reported on the outcome of conservative management(n = 3); 27 reported on the outcome of surgical management(n = 917). Nine studies reported on Open Reduction Internal Fixation(ORIF)(n = 193), 11 on Arthroscopic-Assisted Reduction Internal Fixation(ARIF)(n = 253) and 7 on Frame-Assisted Fixation(FRAME)(n = 262). All studies recorded "return to sport"rates. Only one study recorded a "return to sport" time. The return rate to sport for the total cohort was 70%. For the conservatively-managed fractures, the return rate was 100%. For the surgically-managed fractures, the return rate was 70%. For fractures managed with ORIF, the return rate was 60%. For fractures managed with ARIF, the return rate was 83%. For fractures managed with FRAME was 52%. The return rate for ARIF was found to be significantly greater than that for ORIF(OR 3.22, 95%CI: 2.09-4.97, P < 0.001) and for FRAME(OR 4.33, 95%CI: 2.89-6.50, P < 0.001). No difference was found between the return rates for ORIF and FRAME(OR 1.35, 95%CI: 0.92-1.96, P = 0.122). The recorded return time was 6.9 mo(median), from a study reporting on ORIF.CONCLUSION Return rates to sport for tibial plateau fractures remain limited compared to other fractures. ARIF provides the best return rates. There is limited data regarding return times to sport. Further research is required to determine return times to sport, and to improve return rates to sport, through treatment and rehabilitation optimisation.

Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis

The prevalence of primary or idiopathic osteoarthritis(OA) of knee and hip joints has substantially increased in general population during the last decades. Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are currently extensively used as non-surgical treatmentoptions. However, they act as symptomatic treatments, not offering a cure of OA and they are accused for an increased risk of adverse events. Glucosamine(GL) and chondroitin(CH) are nutritional supplements that have recently gained widespread use as treatment options for OA. They potentially or theoretically act as chondroprotectors or/and as "disease-modifying OA drugs" offering not only symptomatic relief but also alteration of the natural history of OA. However, although many studies have showed a significant treatment effect, accompanied with remarkable safety, there is still controversy regarding their relative effectiveness compared with placebo or other treatments. The scope of this review is to present and critically evaluate the current evidence-based information regarding the administration of GL and CH for the treatment of knee or hip OA. Our focus is to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety after the use of these supplements. An effect of GL and CH on both clinical and radiological findings has been shown. However, only a few high-quality level I trials exist in the literature, especially on the assessment of radiological progression of OA. The effect sizes are generally small and probably not clinically relevant. Even the validity of these results is limited by the high risk of bias introduced in the studies. Both GL and CH seem to be safe with no serious adverse events reported. There is currently no convincing information for the efficacy of GL and CH on OA.

Complications of hip fractures: A review

Nowadays, fracture surgery represents a big part of the orthopedic surgeon workload, and usually has associated major clinical and social cost implications. These fractures have several complications. Some of these are medical, and other related to the surgical treatment itself. Medical complications may affect around 20% of patients with hip fracture. Cognitive and neurological alterations, cardiopulmonary affections(alone or combined), venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, urinary tract complications, perioperative anemia, electrolytic and metabolic disorders, and pressure scars are the most important medical complications after hip surgery in terms of frequency, increase of length of stay and perioperative mortality. Complications arising from hip fracture surgery are fairly common, and vary depending on whether the fracture is intracapsular or extracapsular. The main problems in intracapsular fractures are biological: vascularization of the femoral head, and lack of periosteum-a major contributor to fracture healing- in the femoral neck. In extracapsularfractures, by contrast, the problem is mechanical, and relates to load-bearing. Early surgical fixation, the role of anti-thromboembolic and anti-infective prophylaxis, good pain control at the perioperative, detection and management of delirium, correct urinary tract management, avoidance of malnutrition, vitamin D supplementation, osteoporosis treatment and advancement of early mobilization to improve functional recovery and falls prevention are basic recommendations for an optimal maintenance of hip fractured patients.